This virtuoso paraphrase is a hallmark of Liszt's operatic transcriptions based on Bellini's famous work. It is musically distinctive for its extreme technical requirements and its ability to transform operatic vocal lines into complex pianistic textures.
At Henle 9 this is among the most demanding works in the piano literature. 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 a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment, and rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
At roughly 14 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The primary challenge is maintaining lyrical melodic lines while executing rapid-fire virtuosic figurations across the entire 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.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Fantaisie sur des motifs de l'opéra La Sonnambula (S.393) is rated Henle level 9 of 9 — virtuoso repertoire, roughly concert / virtuoso level. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 9 — meaning you can already play level 8–9 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 motifs de l'opéra La Sonnambula (S.393) lasts about 14 minutes.
Fantaisie sur des motifs de l'opéra La Sonnambula (S.393) 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, Rhapsodie espagnole by Franz Liszt, Fantaisie sur des motifs de l'opéra La Sonnambula, Bellini by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.