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)
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!
List: Années de pèlerinage, Première année “Suisse”, S.160/R.10, A159 No. 3 “Pastorale”. Pf. Mikiko Yamamoto: Yamamoto, MikikoFranz Liszt
This is one of Liszt’s pastoral pieces.
It belongs to the musical genre known as the eclogue and aptly conveys the pastoral mood.
It is as if the countryside and the daily life of shepherds are being communicated through the music.
Grandes études d’après Paganini, S.141 No. 3 in G-sharp minor “La Campanella”Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s Grandes études de Paganini, S.141 No.
3 in G-sharp minor—one of the pieces many pianists aspire to play—is widely known by its title La Campanella, meaning “the little bell.” This hallmark of Liszt’s demands transcendental technique: it’s a notoriously difficult work packed with passages that torment performers, including rapid, repeated two-octave leaps.
But the sense of fulfillment when you master it is surely exceptional.
While it’s hard to push the tempo like a concert pianist, it might be nice to follow the notes slowly to savor the atmosphere.
Grand Etude after Paganini “La Campanella”Franz Liszt
An étude by Liszt, known as the “magician of the piano.” Its difficulty makes you want to say, “Huh? An étude?” Liszt composed many works of transcendental virtuosity, but this piece is an arrangement for piano of Paganini’s violin music.
Paganini, the prodigy so technically brilliant he was said to have “sold his soul to the devil,” and Liszt, the magician—it’s no wonder this turns into a parade of transcendental technique.
Franz Liszt’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (111–120)
Dance of DeathFranz Liszt
This is Franz Liszt’s piano solo arrangement of Danse macabre, a symphonic poem by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
The symphonic poem originated from a song composed by Saint-Saëns based on a poem by the French poet Henri Cazalis, which he later orchestrated into the work known today.
Danse macabre depicts people and the Grim Reaper dancing wildly around graves in the face of death’s terror, and the image of the Reaper and skeletons rattling their bones and dancing frenetically past midnight atop the graves is brilliantly rendered even on the piano.
Transcendental Étude No. 4 in D minor, “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt
It was used in the commercial for Casio’s digital piano, Privia.
The video includes sheet music, so I hope you’ll check it out.
I’m completely overwhelmed—both visually and aurally—by the densely packed notes and the torrent of sound.