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 (91–100)
Chromatic Grand GallopFranz Liszt
Liszt’s masterpiece “Grand Galop Chromatique.” Along with “Mazeppa” and “Feux Follets” from the Transcendental Études, it’s renowned as one of Liszt’s notoriously difficult works.
The biggest challenge of this piece is undoubtedly the intricate motions using the 4th and 5th fingers.
On top of a fiendish layout that makes your fingers feel on the verge of cramping, it unleashes wide leaps and repeated octaves.
It’s a piece that even solid advanced players will find hard to execute accurately.
Compared to other Liszt works, its showy effect is somewhat lower, but for those who love the sound of augmented triads and whole-tone scales, it will hit the sweet spot.
Years of Pilgrimage, Book II: Italy, S.161 — No. 7 “Après une lecture de Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata”Franz Liszt
For those who want to perform a lesser-known piece at a piano recital, I recommend Liszt’s “Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année: Italie, S.161, No.
7 ‘Après une lecture du Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata.’” In terms of difficulty, it’s easier than Chopin’s Fantasy and not prohibitively hard, yet it’s perfect for showcasing solid technique.
Unusually for Liszt, it has a high performance payoff, so it’s enjoyable even as a straightforward piece.
The leaps in the coda are quite challenging, so if you’re confident in your technique, definitely give it a try.
Years of Pilgrimage, Year II, No. 2: “A Man Lost in Thought”Franz Liszt
The seven pieces of Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année are said to be musical expressions of the artistic impressions—paintings, literature, and more—that Franz Liszt encountered during his travels in Italy.
The second piece, “Il penseroso,” is a work with a grave, hushed character reminiscent of a funeral march.
When performing it, it is important to let the octaves and chords resonate by placing sufficient weight into them, giving the sound depth.
According to one theory, the piece was inspired by sculptures created by Michelangelo, the renowned sculptor famous for works such as the David.
It may be helpful to first contemplate Michelangelo’s sculptures and expand your imagination before performing.
Years of Pilgrimage, Second Year – Supplement: “Venice and Naples,” S.162, No. 3: “Tarantella”Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s work “Années de pèlerinage, Supplement to Year II: Venezia e Napoli, S.162 – No.
3, Tarantella” could be called the culmination of his oeuvre.
Composed intermittently from his twenties through his sixties, it allows listeners to experience the transition from Romanticism to Impressionism.
As one would expect from a work by Liszt, it boasts a high level of difficulty.
The sections with continuous, intricate ornamentation are extremely challenging, but because they are also highly effective in performance, the piece is exceptionally captivating to listen to.
Years of Pilgrimage, Third Year, No. 1: Angelus! Prayer to the Guardian AngelsFranz Liszt
We present a late work by Franz Liszt.
Born in 1811 in Hungary, Liszt was an outstanding musician renowned for his transcendental piano technique.
This piece, begun in 1877, is imbued with a religious character.
Amid its serene atmosphere, one senses Liszt’s inward exploration.
The opening, with its ambiguous tonality, leaves a striking impression and creates an enigmatic mood.
Dedicated to Liszt’s granddaughter, the work expresses a longing for religious peace.
It is recommended both for those wishing to develop their pianistic technique and for listeners seeking to experience the spiritual depth of Liszt’s music.
Forgotten Waltz No. 1Franz Liszt
A jewel-like miniature left by 19th-century master Franz Liszt.
Composed in July 1881 during his later years, Liszt—also renowned as a Hungarian-born virtuoso pianist—crafted this roughly three-minute piece in which graceful melodies intertwine with bold harmonies, distilling his mature musical voice.
Its floating sonorities are exquisitely balanced with elements of a conventional waltz, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.
With a difficulty level approachable for intermediate pianists, it serves as an excellent gateway into Liszt’s world.
Liebesträume No. 2: ‘I Am Dead’Franz Liszt
When it comes to Franz Liszt’s Liebesträume, No.
3—set to Ferdinand Freiligrath’s poem “O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst”—is the famous one.
But No.
2, “Ich bin gestorben,” set to a poem by the German poet Ludwig Uhland, is also a stunning hidden gem.
Unlike the flowing No.
3, No.
2 unfolds as if savoring heartfelt emotion—this is its distinctive character.
Because you must play with awareness of the resonance of each individual note, following the notes themselves is relatively easy, but there is a demanding difficulty in that nothing can be glossed over.