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)
La Campanella: Grandes études de PaganiniFranz Liszt
“La Campanella” means “the little bell” in Italian.
The composer Liszt, impressed by the virtuosity of the genius violinist Paganini, composed it out of a desire to express similarly transcendental technique himself.
Symphonic poem ‘Les Préludes (The Preludes)’Franz Liszt
This is a symphonic poem composed by Franz Liszt in 1854.
Among the thirteen symphonic poems he wrote, it is perhaps the most frequently performed.
A symphonic poem is an orchestral work based on the content of a poem, and the form is said to have been pioneered by Liszt.
This particular piece was inspired by a poem by Alphonse de Lamartine and conveys the idea that life is a prelude to death.
Its dramatic development is captivating, and simply listening to the music allows one to sense the poem’s content.
Symphonic Poem “Les Préludes”Franz Liszt
The third symphonic poem Franz Liszt, known as the “Magician of the Piano,” released after retiring as a pianist to devote himself to composing and conducting.
This symphonic poem bears a program that begins, “Our life is a prelude to death.” The piece is performed without breaks and consists of four sections that evoke “the beginning of life, love,” “the storm,” “the pastoral,” and “the battle.” Please enjoy this drama of life, painted with the rich colors of the orchestra.
Legend S.175 No. 2 “St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves”Franz Liszt
Even when we speak broadly of “difficult pieces,” there are many kinds.
Some, like Mazeppa, are difficult in a single, concentrated way, while others, like the Toccata, are difficult because they incorporate a wide range of techniques.
The piece I’m introducing here, Legend S.175 No.
2 “St.
Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves,” belongs to the latter category.
Liszt’s distinctive fingering is clearly reflected in this work as well, and it also demands a fair amount of stamina.
Because there are so many techniques one must cover, it can feel more difficult than a typical piece would be judged to be.
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.
Franz Liszt’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (111–120)
Years of Pilgrimage, Third Year, No. 1: Angelus! Prayer to the Guardian AngelsFranz Liszt
Introducing one of Franz Liszt’s late works.
Born in 1811 in Hungary, Liszt was an outstanding musician renowned for his transcendental piano virtuosity.
This piece, imbued with a religious atmosphere, was begun in 1877.
Within its serene mood, one senses Liszt’s inner exploration.
The opening, with its ambiguous tonality, creates a mysterious impression.
Dedicated to Liszt’s granddaughter, the work expresses a longing for religious peace.
It is recommended both for those who wish to improve their piano technique and for those who want to experience a work rich in Liszt’s spirituality.
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.