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 (121–130)
“Sigh” from Three Concert ÉtudesFranz Liszt
Among Liszt’s works, this is one of the most beloved.
It is included in Three Concert Etudes, and although it is an etude, it does not merely demand technique and stamina; it possesses the character of a salon piece overflowing with sweet, poetic lyricism.
In addition to its sentimental, luscious melody, the technique of crossing the left and right hands makes for a visually dazzling performance, captivating many listeners.
“Mazeppa,” No. 4 from Transcendental ÉtudesFranz Liszt
A quintessentially Lisztian piece that combines intensity with sweetness—cool and unmistakably his.
“Mazeppa” is a hero who appears in the epic poem Mazeppa by the great French writer Victor Hugo.
It is said to depict the scene from Hugo’s poem in which Mazeppa is tied to a horse and set loose across the wilderness.
In the final chord, Liszt himself wrote, “At last it is over…
yet he rose again and became a king,” expressing the joy of triumph.
Impromptu Waltz (Valse-Impromptu), S.213Franz Liszt
A short piece notable for its improvisational waltz.
At roughly five minutes, it is relatively brief and less well-known than other piano works, but its accessible, elegant character has made it a favorite among many pianists celebrated as virtuosos.
Bagatelle without tonality, S.216a / R.60cFranz Liszt
Composed in the final year of his life in 1885, this piece is the first in music history to be explicitly labeled “atonal.” It was originally conceived as “Mephisto Waltz No.
4,” but in the end appears to have been composed as a separate work.
Throughout, beautiful harmonies resonate, yet the piece carries an elusive, hard-to-grasp atmosphere.
Three Concert Études, S.144/R.5: No. 3 “Un Sospiro”Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s work captivates with its flowing, mellifluous melody.
Widely beloved as a masterpiece for piano, this piece was composed between 1845 and 1849.
Written around the time Liszt became a court music director, it features an emotionally rich melodic line that reflects Chopin’s influence.
Though it demands advanced technique to carry the melody seamlessly between both hands, its beauty is sure to soothe the listener’s heart.
With a cool, refreshing resonance that makes you forget the summer heat, this piece is recommended for those who wish to relax and listen on a quiet night.
ChristFranz Liszt
It is one of the oratorios composed by Franz Liszt, a composer renowned for his piano works.
Although Liszt was an outstanding pianist, he was also skilled at arrangement, which led him to produce many orchestral works.
Moreover, as a composer deeply committed to his Catholic faith, he devoted himself to composing and reforming sacred choral music, and thus also wrote oratorios.
Christus is a work that incorporates many elements of Gregorian chant chorales, with texts drawn from the Bible and the Catholic liturgy.
Liszt also composed another oratorio titled The Legend of St.
Elizabeth.
At Richard Wagner’s GraveFranz Liszt
This exquisite miniature was composed by the 19th-century master Franz Liszt in mourning for the death of his close friend Richard Wagner.
Written in 1883, the piece is a brief work of about two minutes and thirty seconds, yet it is imbued with deep friendship and reverence.
Composed for solo piano, it showcases the emotional depth and delicate expressiveness so characteristic of Liszt.
Its serene melody, suffused with Liszt’s feelings for Wagner, is sure to resonate with listeners.
It is a highly recommended piece not only for piano students but also for those looking to become acquainted with classical music.
Years of Pilgrimage, First Year: “Switzerland”Franz Liszt
Liszt, who had an illicit love affair with a married woman, fled with her to Switzerland.
This work is a collection of pieces composed in various places as a memento of that time.
It consists of six pieces: 1.
The Chapel of William Tell / 2.
At the Lake of Wallenstadt / 3.
Pastoral / 4.
By the Spring / 5.
Storm / 6.
The Valley of Obermann.
Transcendental Études, S.139 No. 12 “Snowstorm”Franz Liszt
Transcendental Études, S.139, composed by Franz Liszt—the piano magician whose works demand exceptional virtuosity.
Among them, the piece regarded as the pinnacle of difficulty is No.
12, “Chasse-neige” (Snowstorm).
The quietly falling snow gradually gains force, erupting into a blinding blizzard! The lightning-fast repeated notes, executed with transcendental technique, evoke the unpredictable ferocity of nature.
Starting with “Chasse-neige,” Liszt’s études are all extraordinarily challenging works.
With more time spent at home during the winter, it might be a great opportunity to sit down and carefully practice them on the piano.
“Whispers of the Forest,” No. 1 from Two Concert Études, S.145/R.6Franz Liszt
A collection of piano pieces composed around the time Liszt moved to Rome and dedicated to his beloved pupil, Dionys Pruckner.
It consists of two pieces; the first, “Whispers of the Forest,” is notable for its graceful, airy melody reminiscent of leaves being carried off by the wind.
In conclusion
How was it? Those were famous pieces by the Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt. In 1831, Liszt was deeply impressed by a performance by Niccolò Paganini and set his sights on achieving transcendental virtuosity himself. Renowned as a top-class pianist with anecdotes claiming he could sight-read and master any piece, he became known as the “Magician of the Piano.” While he performed throughout Europe, Liszt was also devoted to education. He trained many students, including Hans von Bülow, who became a pioneering figure as the first dedicated conductor in the classical world. In the process, Liszt also left behind a wealth of compositions that have been passed down to the present day. Every one of his works is a masterpiece, so please keep listening to Liszt’s music!