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 (111–120)
Liebestraum (Dream of Love)Franz Liszt
This masterpiece was crafted by Franz Liszt, a composer emblematic of the Romantic era.
It originally consisted of a set of three songs, which Liszt himself arranged for solo piano in 1850.
The work’s appeal lies in its harmony of virtuosic elements and romantic tone colors.
Its beautiful melodies, which touch the listener’s heart, offer performers rich opportunities for expression.
It is said to reflect Liszt’s experiences in love and his feelings at the time, prompting reflection on the importance—and the limits—of love.
A highly recommended piece for anyone who loves the piano.
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.
Bagatelle in AtonalityFranz Liszt
This piece is one of Franz Liszt’s innovative works from his late period, reflecting his spirit of inquiry.
Premiered in Weimar in July 1885, it embodies Liszt’s intention to “obliterate tonality.” Employing abundant tritones and diminished seventh chords to create a distinctive atmosphere, the work is highly regarded as an exploration in freeing music from traditional tonality.
It is recommended for listeners interested in bold musical expression unconstrained by conventional harmony, as well as for those who wish to experience Liszt’s relentless musical curiosity.
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.