Kessler was known for his études and virtuoso piano pieces which influenced Chopin. This Fantaisie demonstrates his gift for fluid, sweeping arpeggio patterns and intense, moody harmonic progressions.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse; and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
Beyond that, expect wide stretches that reward larger hands and clever redistribution.
The technical hurdle involves managing the wide-span arpeggios while keeping the rubato natural and unforced.
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 (Op.23) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above.
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 (Op.23) lasts about 6 minutes.
Fantaisie (Op.23) 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 Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albéniz, De Profundis, VL 8 by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Fantaisie by Erkki Melartin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.