Like Nowakowski's other works, this fantasy serves as a vehicle for technical display based on native Polish themes. It features virtuosic piano writing typical of the post-Chopin generation of Polish keyboard composers.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. 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 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.
Focus on the execution of wide-span arpeggios and rhythmic energy in the faster sections.
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.63) 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.63) lasts about 9 minutes.
Fantaisie sur des airs polonais (Op.63) 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 sur des airs polonais by Józef Nowakowski — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.