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
- [Highest Difficulty] A selection of challenging pieces crafted by Liszt, the magician of the piano
- Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
- [2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites
- [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 (21–30)
Years of Pilgrimage, Book II: Italy, S.161 — No. 7 “Après une lecture de Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata”Franz Liszt
For those who want to perform a lesser-known piece at a piano recital, I recommend Liszt’s “Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année: Italie, S.161, No.
7 ‘Après une lecture du Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata.’” In terms of difficulty, it’s easier than Chopin’s Fantasy and not prohibitively hard, yet it’s perfect for showcasing solid technique.
Unusually for Liszt, it has a high performance payoff, so it’s enjoyable even as a straightforward piece.
The leaps in the coda are quite challenging, so if you’re confident in your technique, definitely give it a try.
4 Etudes No. 4, Op. 7-4 in F-sharp majorIgor Stravinsky
This short piece, composed in 1908 and running just under two minutes, is a masterpiece that shines with an inventive fusion of harmony and rhythm.
Its light, lively motion bursts forth like fireworks, captivating the listener.
The deft use of syncopation drives a dynamic progression, while vivid harmonic shifts blend seamlessly, bringing out the performer’s full virtuosity.
Though brief, the work distills Igor Stravinsky’s innovative spirit in its pursuit of musical possibility, making it a memorable choice for a piano recital encore.
Notably, in November 1947, pianist Nadia Reisenberg gave a striking performance of the piece at Carnegie Hall.
Twelve Etudes in All Minor Keys No. 2 in D minor, in a Morossian rhythmCharles Valentin Alkan
This is a solo piano piece distinguished by a powerful triple-meter rhythm.
Its weighty, chordal sonorities—crafted with an ear to the metrical patterns of ancient Greek poetry—evoke an orchestral grandeur.
Published in 1857, the work spans about 8 minutes and 30 seconds, offering a captivating showcase for the piano’s expressive range.
For those who have practiced diligently, it’s a piece that allows you to demonstrate your full abilities.
With its massive chords and dynamic development, it’s highly effective in performance and sure to captivate listeners.
An excellent choice for performers seeking an impactful recital piece or aiming for a rich, orchestral-like resonance on the piano.
Scherzo Focoso, Op. 34Charles Valentin Alkan
A dazzling piano piece where supreme virtuosity and passion merge, captivating audiences from start to finish.
A fervent, flame-like energy inhabits every tone drawn from the fingertips, irresistibly gripping the listener’s heart.
Composed by Charles-Valentin Alkan in 1847, this work demands both advanced technique and profound expressiveness—truly worthy of center stage at any recital.
Marked by energetic, vibrant expression, it fills the hall with an overwhelming presence.
It’s recommended for those who wish to enthrall their audience while making full use of their pianistic abilities.
Performers who combine rich musicality with exceptional technique are sure to deliver a magnificent rendition.
Concert Etude “Knight,” Op. 17Charles Valentin Alkan
This piece unfolds a magnificent world in B-flat major and is known as a masterpiece by Charles-Valentin Alkan.
Its dazzling techniques—rapid passages, repeated chord strikes, and octave playing with both hands—evoke the image of a medieval knight galloping gallantly on horseback.
Published in 1844, this six-minute work combines power and elegance, captivating the entire venue with overwhelming presence.
Although it demands exceptionally advanced technique, it fully showcases the piano’s allure, making it perfect for performers aiming to make a strong impression at a recital.
It is a piece I highly recommend to pianists with assured technique and compelling expressive power who wish to enthrall their audience.
“Arpeggio,” No. 4 from the Grandes études de PaganiniFranz Liszt
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
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.