This is a more virtuosic take on Bellini’s 'Norma', featuring extensive coloristic writing and technical ornamentation. Leybach uses the piano to recreate the intensity of the operatic climaxes.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension.
Beyond that, expect a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment, and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
At roughly 8 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The technical demand centers on the clean execution of wide, rapid-fire arpeggios that span the keyboard.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Fantaisie brilliante on 'Norma' (Op.65) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Fantaisie brilliante on 'Norma' (Op.65) lasts about 8 minutes.
Fantaisie brilliante on 'Norma' (Op.65) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Fantaisie Brillante on Verdi's 'Rigoletto' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach, Fantaisie Brilliante on Mozart's 'Don Juan' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach, Fantaisie brilliante on 'Norma' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.