This piece transposes the raw intensity of Verdi's Ernani into a piano format, utilizing operatic tropes to create dramatic impact. It combines heavy chords and sweeping arpeggios to mimic the scale of a full opera orchestra.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo.
Beyond that, expect octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension.
The student must navigate large jumps and octave leaps while maintaining the high energy of the original score.
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 'Ernani' (Op.112) 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 'Ernani' (Op.112) lasts about 7 minutes.
Fantaisie sur 'Ernani' (Op.112) 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 Fantaisie brillante 'Le Freischütz' by Charles Voss, Fantaisie brillante 'I Lombardi' by Charles Voss, Fantaisie brillante sur 'Le Freischütz' by Charles Voss — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.