This piece by Robert Cummings is a stylistic exploration of modern fantasy forms, often leaning into jagged thematic development. It is notable for its sharp contrasts and structural flexibility that defies traditional period constraints.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Achieving precise control over wide dynamic shifts and sudden changes in texture is essential for this work.
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 Concertante is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 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 Concertante lasts about 6 minutes.
Fantasia Concertante 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 Bucephales by Robert Cummings, Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin, Allegro barbaro, Sz.49 by Béla Bartók — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.