This piece uses Polish folk melodies to construct a bravura fantasy in the tradition of early 19th-century salon virtuosic works. Its distinctiveness lies in its combination of heroic polonaise rhythms and delicate embellishments.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; and ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in.
Beyond that, expect big chords that need weight without harshness.
At roughly 9 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The performer must master the rhythmic pulse of the polonaise while sustaining a rich, singing tone.
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 sur des airs polonais (Op.22) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 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 sur des airs polonais (Op.22) lasts about 9 minutes.
Fantaisie sur des airs polonais (Op.22) 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 Ballade by Józef Nowakowski, Ballade No.2 by Józef Nowakowski, Fantaisie brillante sur 'Linda di Chamounix' by Józef Nowakowski — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.