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 (41–50)
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2Franz Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No.
2 by Franz Liszt—the piano magician who composed numerous fiendishly difficult showpieces—fits right in with his repertoire of works requiring supreme virtuosity.
This piece is no exception: its difficulty is so high that even professional pianists struggle with it.
Beginning with a weighty, solemn atmosphere and gradually growing more brilliant, it’s truly breathtaking.
Its bright, beautiful melodies and powerful rhythms have captivated piano students and enthusiasts for many years.
Mastering it demands a great deal of practice, but by all means, take on the challenge while savoring its dramatic world!
Franz Liszt's masterpieces: Popular classical music (51–60)
Grandes études de Paganini, S.121, No. 3 “La Campanella”Franz Liszt
Among the set of études by Franz Liszt—dubbed the “magician of the piano”—the Grandes études de Paganini, S.121, No.
3, “La Campanella,” stands out as especially famous and popular.
Its difficulty and artistry are so extraordinary that one can’t help but ask, “Wait, this is an étude?”—and it’s fair to say many people don’t really think of it as one.
Although Liszt composed numerous works of transcendental virtuosity, this piece is an arrangement for piano of a violin work by Niccolò Paganini.
Paganini, the prodigy whose playing was so astonishing he was said to have “sold his soul to the devil,” and Liszt, the magician—no wonder the result is a parade of transcendental technique.
Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S.514Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt was a composer who also achieved success as a pianist.
He is a towering figure in the piano repertoire and left behind many technically demanding pieces.
Among his works, the Mephisto Waltz is often cited as an unusual piano piece.
While it is basically tonal in the conventional sense, its introduction is particularly unique, and if you stumble in the repeated-chord passages, the performance quality drops sharply—making it a distinctively challenging work.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Transcendental Étude No. 5 “Will-o’-the-Wisp”Franz Liszt
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.
Grand Étude No. 5 after PaganiniFranz Liszt
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.
Liebestraum No. 3Franz Liszt
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.
Transcendental Études No. 4 “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt
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.