Feinberg's Fantasia No. 2 showcases the composer's characteristic complex polyphonic textures and Scriabinesque chromaticism. It is a highly demanding work that pushes the boundaries of traditional tonal organization.
At Henle 8 this is concert repertoire: professional-level technique is the entry ticket. The main demands: polyrhythms that have to lock together without sounding mechanical; several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level; 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, and wide stretches that reward larger hands and clever redistribution.
At roughly 8 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The performer must navigate extremely dense, multi-layered textures that demand high levels of finger-independence.
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.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Fantasia No.2 (Op.9) is rated Henle level 8 of 9 — concert repertoire, roughly diploma level. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 8 — meaning you can already play level 7–8 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 (Op.9) lasts about 8 minutes.
Fantasia No.2 (Op.9) 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 Fantasia No.1 by Samuil Feinberg, 2 Cadenzas to Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.4 by Samuil Feinberg, Fantaisie-Sonata in Yayue E Jue Mode by Felix Firmiana Wot — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.