Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180

Friedrich Wilhelm Kalkbrenner

RomanticObscurefantasy4/4~8 min

About this piece

This is a duplicate of the previous entry, representing the same virtuosic fantasy on Auber's music. The structure emphasizes showy technical bravura designed to highlight the performer's dexterity.

What makes it challenging

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 ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in.

Beyond that, expect a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment, and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

At roughly 8 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.

Teacher notes

Ensure precise articulation during the high-speed technical figurations.

Technical focus

speed-agilityarpeggiosornamentationcantabilearticulation

Mood

brilliantelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180

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Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Easier, same character

A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.

The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

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Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.

Browse all Henle level 7 pieces (Late advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180 by Friedrich Wilhelm Kalkbrenner?

Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180 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 9.

What level do I need to play Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180?

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.

How long is Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180?

A typical performance of Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180 lasts about 8 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180?

Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180 is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Fantaisie sur 'La Sirène' (Auber) Op.180?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Fantaisie et variations brillantes sur l'air 'Di tanti palpiti' by Friedrich Wilhelm Kalkbrenner, Din Din: Introduction et rondeau by Friedrich Wilhelm Kalkbrenner, Fantasia No.3 by Friedrich Wilhelm Kalkbrenner — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.