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.
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Challenging Piano Pieces | A Selection from Classical to Jazz Piano (31–40)
Children’s Corner No. 4: “The Snow Is Dancing”Claude Debussy
This piece evokes the pure gaze of children quietly watching snow pile up by the window.
The continuous sixteenth-note patterns intricately depict the fluttering snowflakes.
The alternating passages played with both hands are like countless snow crystals drifting down from the sky.
Composed in 1908 for the composer’s beloved three-year-old daughter, the work delicately expresses a world shaped by a child’s rich imagination.
Through the contrast of staccato and legato, as well as nuanced pedal work, one can sense both the hush of falling snow and the life concealed within it.
It is a recommended piece for those wishing to become familiar with classical music or to step away from daily life and spend a moment in quiet serenity.
Three Concert Études, S.144 No. 2 “Lightness”Franz Liszt
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.
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2Franz Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No.
2 by Franz Liszt—the piano wizard who composed numerous fiendishly difficult pieces requiring transcendental technique—is no exception in its level of difficulty, and even professional pianists often struggle to perform it.
Beginning with a weighty atmosphere and gradually growing more brilliant, it is truly breathtaking.
Its bright, beautiful melodies and powerful rhythms have captivated piano students and enthusiasts for many years.
Mastering it demands considerable practice, but by all means, enjoy its dramatic world as you take on the challenge!
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6Franz Liszt
Liszt’s masterpiece inspired by his homeland of Hungary, Hungarian Rhapsody No.
6.
While No.
2 is often said to be the most difficult to perform, No.
6 is also exceptionally challenging.
It is unquestionably among the hardest even within the advanced repertoire.
With its particularly wide octave stretches, this piece demands power, speed, and precision.
Although extremely difficult, it is highly effective in performance, making it tremendously enjoyable for listeners as well.
Be sure to check it out.
Grandes études de Paganini, S.141 No. 3 “La Campanella”Franz Liszt
When it comes to Franz Liszt’s works with the highest difficulty, many people probably think first of the Grandes études de Paganini, S.141 No.
3 “La Campanella.” It’s for ultra-advanced players and is renowned for its overwhelming difficulty.
There are, of course, other challenging pieces, but few high-difficulty works achieve as much dramatic performance impact as La Campanella.
It’s a hellish piece for performers, but for listeners, it’s a supreme masterpiece.
Challenging Piano Pieces | From Classical to Jazz Piano (41–50)
Transcendental Étude No. 5 “Will-o’-the-Wisp”Franz Liszt
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 Etude No. 7 ‘Heroic’Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s representative collection of fiendish pieces, the Transcendental Études.
It includes extremely difficult works like Mazeppa and Feux follets.
This time, I’d like to introduce No.
7, “Heroic,” from the set.
In Japan, it’s also well known by its Italian title, Eroica.
What makes this piece particularly challenging is the sheer abundance of arpeggios.
While it isn’t the most advanced piece in the set overall, its arpeggios are extraordinarily difficult.