A masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Popular classical music.

Rapsodie espagnoleFranz Liszt

Kissin Liszt Spanish Rhapsody – Liszt Rhapsodie Espagnole – Evgeny Kissin

Liszt collected indigenous music such as folk songs and composed based on them.

This piece is structured through a contrast between slow and fast sections.

The first half is based on the folia, a slow-tempo dance that originated on the Iberian Peninsula.

Following the performance practice of the folia—variations built on a standardized bass line and harmonic progression in a minor key—it is written in variation form.

The second half, the jota, is a feverish dance originating in Spain’s Aragon region, characterized by leaps danced with castanets.

Imagining each dance as you listen will allow you to enjoy this work even more.

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Transcendental Étude “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt

Miroslav Kultyshev – Mazeppa

Liszt, who himself became renowned as a pianist possessing exceptional technique and ability worthy of the title “virtuoso,” composed numerous works of transcendental difficulty.

The title “Mazeppa” refers to a real historical figure.

As a teenager, Liszt read and was deeply moved by Victor Hugo’s epic poem about Ivan Mazepa, who is celebrated as a Ukrainian hero.

This piece captivates with its luxurious, heroic music that boldly presses forward, perfectly fitting the word “hero,” interwoven at times with beautifully lyrical melodies.

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“Arpeggio,” No. 4 from the Grandes études de PaganiniFranz Liszt

Liszt – Paganini Etude S. 140, No. 4b [Huang Yi-Chung]

This is a grand set of variations that arranges Paganini’s violin work for piano.

First published in 1838, it underwent revisions to reach its current form.

In the eleven variations that follow the theme, piano-specific techniques such as tremolos, octaves, and arpeggios are lavishly employed.

Composed by Franz Liszt after being impressed by Paganini’s performances, with the aim of achieving violin-like expression on the piano, the piece combines dazzling brilliance that captivates audiences with profound musicality.

The beauty of its textures and development fully brings out the piano’s allure, making it a popular work in concerts and piano competitions.

It is recommended for performers with solid technique and expressive ability, and is a piece that will make a strong impression at recitals.

“Grandes études de Paganini,” No. 6: “Theme and Variations”Franz Liszt

List: From 'Grandes Études de Paganini' No. 6 'Theme and Variations'

A masterpiece that fuses a graceful, dignified melody with dazzling piano virtuosity.

It brilliantly arranges Paganini’s violin piece for piano and was released to the world in a revised edition in 1851.

Preserving the elegance of the original while fully drawing out the piano’s unique expressive power, it weaves a magical sound that captivates listeners.

With exquisitely crossed hands, flowing chains of arpeggios, and a seamless execution that belies its technical demands, the performance embodies musical artistry.

Though the playing time is a relatively brief two minutes, this work combines rich musicality with advanced technique, offering a quintessential taste of pianistic delight.

It is an ideal piece for those who wish to command the stage or challenge the possibilities of the piano.

La CampanellaFranz Liszt

Aya Nagatomi / La Campanella – Grandes études de Paganini No. 3

The delicate melody, modeled after the sound of bells, is striking, with beautiful leaps and ornaments in the high register resonating throughout.

The piano piece, revised in 1851, is characterized by passionate expressiveness that embodies the essence of Romantic music and by virtuosic performance demands.

Inspired by Niccolò Paganini’s playing in 1831, Franz Liszt arranged the theme of a violin concerto for piano.

Frequently used as background music in films and television shows, it has captivated many listeners.

This work is recommended for those who want to study in a quiet environment with focus.

Its bell-like, transparent timbre will calm the mind while maintaining a moderate sense of tension.

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.

Poetic and Religious Harmonies No. 7 “Funérailles,” S.173/R.14Franz Liszt

List: Poetic and Religious Harmonies, No. 7 “Funeral, October 1849”

This is a collection of ten piano pieces, composed under the inspiration of the poetry of Alphonse de Lamartine, a French poet with whom the composer had a close friendship.

Among them, the famous “Funérailles” is regarded as a memorial piece dedicated to Liszt’s acquaintances who were executed during the Hungarian Revolution.