This is a contemporary work exploring the intersection of free-form fantasy and strict sonata structure. It is musically distinctive for its dense harmonic language and modern contrapuntal exploration.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
Beyond that, expect several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level.
At roughly 10 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
Students must navigate the thick, modern textures while balancing the complex polyphonic layers.
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.
Fantasia come una Sonata, EV 32 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 10.
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.
A typical performance of Fantasia come una Sonata, EV 32 lasts about 10 minutes.
Fantasia come una Sonata, EV 32 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 Choses en Soi by Sergei Prokofiev, Ballade en mode phrygien by Jehan Alain, 12 Variationen über ein eigenes Thema by Alban Berg — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.