Anthony Green's piece uses the structural framework of a theme and variations to weave an improvisational narrative. It is distinctive for its synthesis of contemporary techniques with historical forms.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
Beyond that, expect sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
Maintaining the structural integrity of the theme while navigating the rhythmic variety of the variations is the core challenge.
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 No.2 on a Theme by Derek Foster is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8.
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 Fantasia No.2 on a Theme by Derek Foster lasts about 7 minutes.
Fantasia No.2 on a Theme by Derek Foster 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 Choros nº 5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Canto Karabalí by Ernesto Lecuona, Chôros No.5, W207 by Heitor Villa-Lobos — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.