Fantasia 'Immortelles'

Johann Baptist CramerOp.87

RomanticObscurefantasy~7 min

About this piece

Cramer's 'Immortelles' is a reflective salon work that prioritizes expressive, vocal-like melodies over overt technical displays. It exemplifies the refined style for which the composer was renowned during his lifetime.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; fine finger independence within the hand; and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.

Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.

Teacher notes

Focus on the independence of the inner voices to support the primary melodic line.

Technical focus

ornamentationfinger-independencecantabilevoicing

Mood

nostalgicintimate

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Fantasia 'Immortelles'

Similar to Fantasia 'Immortelles'

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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 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Fantasia 'Immortelles' (Op.87) by Johann Baptist Cramer?

Fantasia 'Immortelles' (Op.87) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play Fantasia 'Immortelles'?

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.

How long is Fantasia 'Immortelles'?

A typical performance of Fantasia 'Immortelles' (Op.87) lasts about 7 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Fantasia 'Immortelles'?

Fantasia 'Immortelles' (Op.87) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Fantasia 'Immortelles'?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Dulce et utile by Johann Baptist Cramer, 10 Variations on 'Fin ch'han dal vino', M.6.12 by Johann Baptist Cramer, 11 Variations on 'Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen', M.6.02 by Johann Baptist Cramer — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.