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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sighFranz Liszt
Although he was born in Hungary, he is largely placed within the German Romantic tradition.
Also known as the “magician of the piano,” this piece is not only virtuosic but also sweet and full of poetic sentiment, and it is a favorite on concert programs.
TotentanzFranz Liszt
The mysterious yet ominous atmosphere conjured by the profoundly weighty piano is truly unique to this piece.
Composed by Franz Liszt—dubbed the “magician of the piano” for his transcendental virtuosity—it is also known in Japan by the title “Dance of Death.” Here’s where it gets a bit complicated: although it shares the Japanese title “Dance of Death” with Saint-Saëns’s famous symphonic poem, it is an entirely different work.
Moreover, Liszt himself, inspired by Saint-Saëns’s Danse macabre, created a solo piano arrangement of the Saint-Saëns piece, separate from his own original work of the same Japanese title.
The piece introduced here is Liszt’s composition titled Totentanz in the original German, presented in his own solo piano arrangement.
It incorporates phrases from the Gregorian chant Dies irae, and the contrast between its tranquil and tempestuous sections is strikingly beautiful and dramatic.
Why not listen to it while contemplating the 14th-century fresco The Triumph of Death, said to have inspired its motif?
Fountain of Villa d’EsteFranz Liszt
The “Villa d’Este” in the title refers to a noble’s villa in Tivoli, Italy.
It is a bright piece that depicts the flow of water with skillful arpeggios characteristic of the virtuosic Liszt, and among his late works, it is one of the most frequently performed today.
Fountain of the esthetic layerFranz Liszt
This piece begins with the high notes starting to sound smoothly, as if water from an overflowing fountain were flowing down from above.
It’s not a violent fountain; rather, the music brings a sense of calm to the heart, and it will undoubtedly leave you feeling cool and refreshed.
Liebesträume (Three Nocturnes), No. 3 in A-flat majorFranz Liszt
Liszt was a Hungarian composer.
Liebesträume was originally a set of songs that Liszt wrote for soprano and tenor solo around 1845–1850, but he arranged them for solo piano and titled them Nocturnes.
The melodies are sweet and accessible.
Grand Etudes after Paganini, No. 3 ‘La Campanella’Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s masterpiece, Grandes études de Paganini No.
3 “La Campanella.” It’s one of the most famous piano pieces, so I imagine many of you know it.
The difficulty is at the very highest level, and even advanced players can slip and make mistakes if they lose focus.
All the more reason it’s incredibly rewarding to listen to.
The key challenges of this work are its numerous leaps and the extremely high degree of finger agility it demands.
There are no shortcuts—you can only build your skills steadily—but I encourage you to set this piece as a goal and devote yourself to practicing the piano.
“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.
