how would you compare this on level of difficulty to the op.25 no.1 etude?(aeolian harp)...if you can at all...

Quite a bit easier than the etude IMO. There's not so much going on under the surface and it doesn't require as high a degree of flexibility/control.

what does IMO mean?

I think you'd need to work a lot harder to finish the Fantasie than the Etude.

well the situation is im coming towards finishing the etude and was thinking of the fantasy as the next piece...i was wondering if you guys thought it would be appropriate...like not to much of a jump in difficulty or anything...

i've tried both but i cannot get the 3 against four down so i cant play it. I can play a small portion of the Aeolin Harp etude but it is easier than fantasie impromptu.

actually come to think of it....doesnt the Aeolin harp etude have a cross rhythm in it? I dont think it's quite as tricky as 3 against 4 though.

Yeah it does have a cross rhythm, but its 2 against 3 which is much easier. If you've learnt the etude though, you should be able to learn the Fantasie. Good luck with it.

coll thanks...i tried a few bars and i got the weird rythm down actually with out any effort so i think it should be managable...
thanks all!

The fantasie impromptu has lots of dynamics that are hard to express when played fast.
IMO, the last section of the piece is the hardest, so I would start from there if I were you...besides that, its a great pianistic piece and I encourage you to learn it.

25/1 is quite a bit easier then Fantasie, but both are challenging. Fantasie impromtou is hard to learn if you have never experienced 4 against 3 before, and it also quite hard to get up to speed. It is a great piece however, and will impress just about anyone listening if played at a fast tempo.

In my opinion. Glad I put that in now, looking at the other responses