A masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Popular classical music.
We introduce the masterpieces of Franz Liszt, who was born in Hungary and was active across Europe, including Germany and Austria.
From the works of Liszt—renowned as a pianist and also a composer for famous pieces such as La Campanella and Liebesträume—we present recommended and representative masterpieces, including not only piano works but also symphonic pieces performed by orchestra.
Please enjoy the many wonderful masterpieces by this composer, known as the “Magician of the Piano” for the anecdote that he could sight-read and master any piece.
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Franz Liszt’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (101–110)
Poetic and Religious Harmonies No. 5: The Lord’s PrayerFranz Liszt
From Franz Liszt’s Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, we present a piece that evokes profound religious depth.
Completed in 1853, this collection includes a work that Liszt arranged for solo piano from his own choral composition.
Infused with a spirit of deep prayer, performances of this piece awaken a quiet sense of awe in listeners.
Demanding not only technical prowess but also inner expressiveness, it is recommended for those who wish to convey spirituality through the piano.
It is a moving work in which Liszt’s innovative musicality merges with religious contemplation, resonating deeply in the heart.
Poetic and Religious Melody No. 6: Hymn to the Child Awakened from SleepFranz Liszt
A piano collection composed with free imagination and consisting of ten pieces of varying scale, Harmonies poétiques et religieuses.
Said to have been inspired by the poems of the French Romantic poet Alphonse de Lamartine, its sixth piece, Hymne de l’enfant à son réveil (Hymn of a Child on Awakening), is an arrangement for solo piano of Franz Liszt’s choral work of the same name.
While based on the choral piece, it incorporates melodies that draw out the piano’s timbral beauty to the fullest, resulting in a richly varied and rewarding work to perform.
Transcendental Études, S.139 No. 4 “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt
This piece is one of the signature works by Franz Liszt, a towering master who shines brilliantly in the history of classical music.
Composed when he was just 15 and later revised to its final form, it portrays a grand narrative inspired by Victor Hugo’s epic poem, employing transcendental virtuosity.
With bell-like sonorities, hoofbeat-like figures, and a complex three-stave layout, it is a work of formidable technical and musical difficulty.
Within roughly seven and a half minutes, it condenses the fierce adventures of Mazeppa, making it a highly recommended piece not only for those seeking to master pianistic technique, but also for anyone wishing to savor the art of storytelling through music.
Transcendental Études, S.139 No. 5 “Feux follets” (Will-o’-the-Wisps)Franz Liszt
The piece Onibal, known worldwide as an overwhelmingly difficult piano work.
Composed by the great Franz Liszt, it’s a devilish composition.
Its difficulty lies above all in the sheer density of notes.
It features a great deal of rapid passages and extreme leaps across the keyboard, making it unplayable for anyone but advanced pianists.
It’s a work that demands fundamentals like technique and stamina rather than expressive nuance.
If you want to test the limits of your technique, give it a try!
Transcendental Étude No. 4 “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt
Liszt’s masterpiece Transcendental Étude No.
4 “Mazeppa” is known for ranking among the most difficult of all piano works.
While it isn’t uniformly difficult in every respect, its octaves and double notes are exceptionally demanding.
Packed with allure—from chromatic octave passages that frequently appear in virtuoso works of the Romantic era and beyond to the overwhelming display in the Allegro deciso—this piece has it all.
If you’re looking to hear a single, showpiece of sheer technique for now, be sure to check it out.
Transcendental Etude No. 7 ‘Heroic’Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s representative collection of fiendish pieces, the Transcendental Études.
It includes extremely difficult works like Mazeppa and Feux follets.
This time, I’d like to introduce No.
7, “Heroic,” from the set.
In Japan, it’s also well known by its Italian title, Eroica.
What makes this piece particularly challenging is the sheer abundance of arpeggios.
While it isn’t the most advanced piece in the set overall, its arpeggios are extraordinarily difficult.
Transcendental Étude “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt
Liszt, who himself became renowned as a pianist possessing exceptional technique and ability worthy of the title “virtuoso,” composed numerous works of transcendental difficulty.
The title “Mazeppa” refers to a real historical figure.
As a teenager, Liszt read and was deeply moved by Victor Hugo’s epic poem about Ivan Mazepa, who is celebrated as a Ukrainian hero.
This piece captivates with its luxurious, heroic music that boldly presses forward, perfectly fitting the word “hero,” interwoven at times with beautifully lyrical melodies.
“Grandes études de Paganini,” No. 6: “Theme and Variations”Franz Liszt
A masterpiece that fuses a graceful, dignified melody with dazzling piano virtuosity.
It brilliantly arranges Paganini’s violin piece for piano and was released to the world in a revised edition in 1851.
Preserving the elegance of the original while fully drawing out the piano’s unique expressive power, it weaves a magical sound that captivates listeners.
With exquisitely crossed hands, flowing chains of arpeggios, and a seamless execution that belies its technical demands, the performance embodies musical artistry.
Though the playing time is a relatively brief two minutes, this work combines rich musicality with advanced technique, offering a quintessential taste of pianistic delight.
It is an ideal piece for those who wish to command the stage or challenge the possibilities of the piano.
Consolation (Comfort) No. 3Franz Liszt
One piece from Consolations, a piano collection composed by the piano magician Franz Liszt.
Unlike many of Liszt’s other works that require his signature “transcendental virtuosity,” this set contains more serene pieces and is known for being relatively approachable within his oeuvre.
No.
3 is especially famous and is a popular choice for recitals.
Aim for evenness in the left-hand accompaniment, sing out the elegant melody, and perform with deep expression.
Transcendental Étude No. 1 “Prelude”Franz Liszt
This is a work by Franz Liszt, who was active as a pianist and composer and left behind numerous highly challenging piano pieces.
The Transcendental Études contain twelve studies for piano, and the opening piece, “Prélude,” is brimming with excitement that builds anticipation for the pieces to follow.
Among this collection of notoriously difficult études, it is relatively short and comparatively approachable to play, so if you play the piano and want to experience Liszt’s unique musical world, be sure to give it a try!