Liszt's fantasy on Swiss melodies is a bravura work that transforms folk-like themes into a display of technical brilliance. It emphasizes the romantic fascination with exotic and folkloric sources through elaborate piano writing.
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 sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc, and rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
At roughly 9 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The technical demand of executing the rapid arpeggios and octave passages with musicality is significant.
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 romantique sur deux mélodies suisses (S.157) 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 romantique sur deux mélodies suisses (S.157) lasts about 9 minutes.
Fantaisie romantique sur deux mélodies suisses (S.157) 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 Concert Paraphrase of Rigoletto, by Verdi by Franz Liszt, Ballade No.1 by Franz Liszt, Ernani de Verdi by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.