A masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Popular classical music.

Transcendental Étude No. 5 “Will-o’-the-Wisp”Franz Liszt

Liszt: Transcendental Étude No. 5 “Feux follets” [43_Fierce, Fast Score with Commentary – Classical Piano Piece]

Franz Liszt’s works are highly regarded as masterpieces that combine transcendental virtuosity with poetic expression.

This piece symbolizes a fantastical image of flickering, bluish-white lights floating in the night.

Rapid chromatic figures flow continuously, and the shimmering sound evokes the ghostly motion of “will-o’-the-wisps.” While centered in B-flat major, occasional dissonant sonorities and irregular rhythms create a mysterious atmosphere.

Completed in 1851, the piece made a significant contribution to the development of piano music.

It is recommended for those interested in classical music and for pianists seeking a technical challenge.

Transcendental Étude No. 5 “Will-o’-the-Wisp”Franz Liszt

Nobuyuki Tsujii / Liszt: Transcendental Études, No. 5 “Feux follets” (Will-o’-the-Wisps)

Transcendental Études is a collection of twelve piano pieces of extreme difficulty composed by Franz Liszt.

Among them, one of the most challenging is No.

5, “Feux follets” (Will-o’-the-Wisps).

To master this piece—whose lightning-fast passages demand fingerwork so quick it’s almost impossible to see—refining your technique is essential.

Comprehensive technical practice is required, including light, agile finger movement and relaxed arms.

It’s a daunting piece that can’t be conquered with ordinary effort, but it’s well worth the challenge.

Take your time and practice it carefully.

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Grand Étude No. 5 after PaganiniFranz Liszt

2013 Oji Hall Prize / Ryota Yamazaki Liszt: “La Chasse” (The Hunt)

When it comes to the Grandes Études de Paganini, No.

3 La Campanella and No.

6 Variations on a Theme are the famous ones, but I highly recommend No.

5 as well.

In the first half and at the end it evokes people setting out on a hunt, the middle signals the start of the chase, and you can almost hear birds chirping—it’s a charming little piece.

Grand Etude No. 6 “Theme and Variations” by PaganiniFranz Liszt

Paganini/Liszt Etude 6

Using the melody that begins the piece as its main theme, this work unfolds while constantly shifting character.

It is so famous that many people may feel they have heard it even if they do not recognize its name.

Originally an extremely difficult piece for violin, it was arranged by Liszt into a set of variations for piano that faithfully reproduces even the technical challenges of the original.

Liebestraum No. 3Franz Liszt

Fuzjko Hemming ~ Liebesträume

Famous for being used by figure skater Mao Asada, this piece evokes a somewhat fantastical and fleeting kind of love.

While Liszt is often associated with rapid, highly challenging passages, this work, even within its relaxed atmosphere, is imbued with that quintessential Liszt character.

Dance at the village tavernFranz Liszt

2013 Oji Hall Prize / Ryota Yamazaki Liszt: Dance at the Village Inn

Starting with a lively rhythm that conjures vivid images of ringing voices, the graceful dances of the ballerinas, and villagers chatting with drinks in hand, this piece could well be called one of Liszt’s hidden gems.

It was actually featured in the drama Nodame Cantabile, so many of you may have heard it before—but I highly recommend listening to it in full.

Transcendental Études No. 4 “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt

Nobuyuki Tsujii / Liszt: Transcendental Études – No. 4 “Mazeppa”

Franz Liszt, a composer who wrote numerous highly demanding pieces and has long vexed performers.

Among Liszt’s works, one that is considered especially difficult is Transcendental Étude No.

4, “Mazeppa.” While it isn’t fiendish in every single aspect, its octaves and double-stops are exceptionally challenging.

The difficulty spikes suddenly from the “Allegro deciso,” so in practice, focus above all on taking positions with absolute precision.

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Years of Pilgrimage, First Year: From Switzerland – HomesicknessFranz Liszt

List: Années de pèlerinage, Première année: Suisse, S.160 No.8 “Nostalgia (Le mal du pays)”

This track pairs well with reading; its meltingly smooth piano tones feel natural to the body.

Even if you’re not very familiar with classical music, you can simply let it play in the background and enjoy its pleasures—it’s perfect for studying, too.

Two Legends, S.175 No. 2: St. Francis of Paola Walking on the WavesFranz Liszt

Hayato Sumino / Liszt: “St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves” from Legends (2018 PTNA Special Grade Semifinal)

Franz Liszt, celebrated for his dazzling and passionate performances, devoted himself deeply to religious themes in his late works.

This piece is a mystical portrayal in music of the legend of Saint Francis of Paola crossing the sea by miracle.

It features quintessential Lisztian dramatic writing throughout, such as tremolos evoking a raging sea and a sublime principal theme.

Composed between 1862 and 1863, it belongs to a period when Liszt’s faith had grown stronger.

Highly recommended for those who wish to savor a quiet sense of religious awe.

Why not listen to it on a tranquil summer night, feeling a cool breeze?

Three Concert Études, S.144 No. 2 “Lightness”Franz Liszt

F. Liszt: “La leggerezza,” Trois études de concert No. 2, pf. Kotaro Fukuma

Liszt composed numerous fearsomely difficult études.

The Transcendental Études and the Grandes études de Paganini are famous, but this time I’d like to introduce an étude with a salon character.

That is Trois études de concert, S.144 No.

2, “La leggierezza.” Its striking design shifts from triplets to septuplets, and the right hand is packed with a variety of techniques.

In terms of concrete difficulty, it’s roughly on par with the first half of Czerny’s Op.

740.

It’s unquestionably advanced, so be sure to check it out.

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