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 (21–30)
Play of WaterFranz Liszt
Maurice Ravel’s Jeux d’eau has been a beloved masterpiece among pianists since its 1902 premiere.
The piece captivates with a gentle melody that evokes the pleasant flow of water.
While influenced by Franz Liszt, it distinctly bears Ravel’s hallmark: a watercolor-like delicacy that’s easy to appreciate and warmly approachable.
It’s also an excellent first piece for exploring Impressionist music.
If approached carefully as a recital piece, it will offer both the joy of performance and tangible technical growth.
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor, S.244Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt, the wizard of the piano, composed a total of 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies.
Among them, No.
2 is particularly well-known, and orchestral arrangements by Liszt himself and by Franz Doppler are frequently performed.
The piece is also notorious for its difficulty, with the cadenza near the end serving as a prime showcase for a pianist’s prowess.
Some pianists insert their own cadenzas to make the performance even more dazzling.
Even playing it strictly as written is demanding, but if you’re aiming for a performance brimming with originality, why not give it a try?
Franz Liszt’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (31–40)
Fantasia and Fugue on the Name B-A-C-H, S.260/S.529Franz Liszt
A work originally composed as an organ piece and later arranged for piano.
Liszt was deeply familiar with Bach’s music, and Bach’s themes are employed effectively in this piece as well.
Rapidly ascending and descending arpeggios and a stormily raging bass make a striking impression.
Piano Sonata in B minor, S.178/R.21Franz Liszt
A piano sonata published in 1854 and dedicated to Schumann.
Its musical ideas undergo intense transformations throughout, leading Schumann’s wife, Clara, to dismiss it as nothing more than “purposeless noise.” However, today it is a piece frequently performed by many distinguished pianists.
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor, S.244-2Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt, the “magician of the piano,” composed numerous fiendishly difficult pieces that demand transcendental technique.
Hungarian Rhapsody No.
2 is one of his signature works—so challenging that even professional pianists struggle with it.
It begins with a leisurely, melancholic melody and gradually accelerates, gaining brilliance in a truly breathtaking arc.
Influenced by Hungarian folk music yet adorned with the dazzling pianistic writing unique to Liszt, its bright, beautiful melodies and powerful rhythms captivate listeners without fail.
Performing this work requires a substantial amount of practice, but why not take on the challenge while fully savoring its passionate, dramatic world?
Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S.514 “Dance in the Village Inn”Franz Liszt
Beloved as a recital staple, this passionate waltz portrays the romance between a devilish fiddler and a beautiful dancer.
It is a work by Franz Liszt, a pianist emblematic of the 19th-century Romantic era.
Composed between 1856 and 1861, it musically depicts a sensual tale set in a village tavern.
From the opening’s stacked fifths ringing out to the romantic melodies woven into driving rhythms, it irresistibly captivates listeners.
The piece has been used in numerous films and TV dramas, where its dramatic musicality proves highly effective on screen.
It makes full use of pianistic virtuosity—an ideal choice if you want to dazzle the audience at your recital.
Franz Liszt: Liebestraum No. 3Franz Liszt
Composed by Franz Liszt around 1845 as a song and arranged in 1850 for solo piano, this work is distinguished by its beautiful melody and profound emotional expression.
Based on a poem themed around human love, it conveys both the depth and transience of love.
Written in the nocturne form with the passionate, lyrical style characteristic of the Romantic era, it has also been used as background music in films and television dramas.
This piece is recommended for those who wish to refine their piano technique or simply enjoy a beautiful melody that resonates with the heart.