Difficult Piano Pieces: From Classical to Jazz Piano
For those with a deep appreciation for the piano, there often comes a time—once a certain level of knowledge and technique has been acquired—when they gravitate toward listening to more challenging pieces.
Among the many genres, classical and jazz piano in particular feature numerous highly demanding works that have long stood as formidable obstacles for many performers.
This time, we’ve picked out some especially difficult piano pieces.
From jazz piano that emphasizes rapid runs, to classical works with extreme leaps in the scale, and even contemporary classical pieces that combine both traits, we’ve selected from a wide range of styles—so be sure to check them out.
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
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- [Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces
- Difficult Piano Pieces | Even Pros Can't Play Them!? Classical Works Requiring Virtuosic Technique
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- [Masterpieces of the Waltz] A comprehensive introduction to classic works written for the piano!
- For Advanced Players: Showstopping Classics to Play at a Piano Recital
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- [Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces
- [Advanced] A Comprehensive Introduction to the Difficult Piano Pieces of Chopin, the Poet of the Piano!
- Piano Masterpieces: Music you’ll want to listen to and play—beloved classic works
Challenging Piano Pieces | From Classical to Jazz Piano (11–20)
Piano Concerto No. 2Serugei Purokofiefu
Sergei Prokofiev, a towering Russian composer representing the 20th century.
Anyone familiar with modern music will know his name.
Among the many masterpieces he left behind, his Piano Concerto No.
2 is especially renowned for its difficulty.
Prokofiev is generally known for writing highly demanding music, but this work is particularly extreme, with many passages for solo piano that can be nerve-wracking for the performer.
Leaps across the keyboard, finger agility, stamina—every element is required at the highest level in this great work.
Wanderer FantasyFurantsu Shūberuto
Franz Schubert, a great composer who represents Romantic music.
While many great composers are often blessed with instrumental talent from a young age, Schubert could hardly be called a virtuoso.
Even so, he did write highly virtuosic works, and among them the most famous is the Wanderer Fantasy.
It is said that even Schubert himself found this piece difficult to play and would often grumble, “Let the devil play a piece like this.”
Gaspard of the NightMōrisu Raveru
Maurice Ravel, the great French composer who had an enormous influence on modern classical music.
French composers who represent their nation tend to excel at highly artistic, delicate sounds, and Ravel is one of them, possessing a striking individuality and artistry unmatched by other composers.
Among Ravel’s works, the piece said to be particularly difficult is Gaspard de la nuit.
Taken as a whole, it is extremely challenging, and only a handful of advanced players can perform it while maintaining its artistry.
Etude Collection for Piano, Volume 2, No. 13: “Devil’s Staircase”Rigeti Jeruju
The composer György Ligeti, originally from Romania, is the most recent among the composers introduced here and left a major mark on contemporary classical music.
His music is experimental, and in his Études in particular he repeatedly pushed the piano to its limits with a variety of challenges.
Among his works, a particularly recommended and difficult piece is Étude No.
13 “The Devil’s Staircase” from Book 2 of the Études for Piano.
Not only does it feature an extraordinary amount of ascending and descending scales, but the performer must sustain that state for over five minutes—truly a pianist’s nightmare.
Chromatic Grand GallopFurantsu Risuto
Franz Liszt, a composer who represents Hungary.
When it comes to composers known for writing difficult piano pieces, many people first think of Franz Liszt.
Because he was also actively performing as a pianist, he left behind numerous highly challenging works.
Among Liszt’s compositions, the particularly recommended difficult piano piece is the Grand Galop Chromatique.
It’s a work where ascending chromatic scales and chords swirl together, and above all, finger dexterity is paramount.
Revolutionary ÉtudeFurederikku Shopan
When it comes to Chopin, many people probably picture works of high artistry rather than ones focused on sheer virtuosity.
Of course, all of his pieces are outstanding in their artistic quality, but among them are works that place a stronger emphasis on technique.
One piece I especially recommend is the Revolutionary Etude.
It masterfully combines overwhelming virtuosity with artistic depth, and finger agility is particularly important.
Because the piece demands intense keystrokes from the very beginning, a certain level of stamina is also required.
Be sure to check it out.
Challenging Piano Pieces | From Classical to Jazz Piano (21–30)
Concert Paraphrase on Rigoletto, S.434Franz Liszt
Verdi’s opera Rigoletto, premiered in Rome in 1851.
This Concert Paraphrase on “Rigoletto,” S.434, is based on one of the pieces from the opera.
While it may be considered somewhat niche among those unfamiliar with classical music, it is renowned among classical enthusiasts as a work of supreme artistry and formidable difficulty.
It demands an exceptionally delicate touch; without a performer who can finely control finger pressure, the tone can become harsh.
Because the atmosphere varies greatly depending on the performer, I encourage you to compare different interpretations and savor this piece.