Edouard Chavagnat’s Fantaisie mauresque is a characteristic piece reflecting the 19th-century fascination with Orientalism. It utilizes exotic harmonic coloring and brilliant runs to evoke a Moorish atmosphere.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Beyond that, expect sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
Students must manage frequent position shifts and rapid arpeggiated figures across 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 mauresque (Op.117) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 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 mauresque (Op.117) lasts about 5 minutes.
Fantaisie mauresque (Op.117) 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 Course fantastique by Edouard Chavagnat, Fantaisie orientale by Edouard Chavagnat, Ballet des nymphes by Edouard Chavagnat — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.