Sydney Smith's famous operatic paraphrase on Donizetti's opera is a quintessential example of Victorian-era bravura piano music. It is musically notable for its relentless energy and decorative treatment of operatic melodies.
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; octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Beyond that, expect precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece, and sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
At roughly 9 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The performer must maintain impeccable rhythmic precision during the rapid passage work that defines the piece's brilliant character.
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 de Concert Lucrezia Borgia (Op.69) 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 de Concert Lucrezia Borgia (Op.69) lasts about 9 minutes.
Fantaisie de Concert Lucrezia Borgia (Op.69) 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 Fra Diavolo by Sydney Smith, Fantaisie Brillante on 'Rigoletto' by Sydney Smith, Bohemian Girl - Brilliant Fantasia by Sydney Smith — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.