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 | From Classical to Jazz Piano (41–50)
Gaspard de la nuit, No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel
Among Ravel’s works, the piece said to boast one of the highest levels of difficulty is “Gaspard de la nuit, No.
3: Scarbo.” Although Ravel pioneered avant-garde expression, his individuality is on full display here as well: amid a barrage of rapid passages and demanding octaves, the performer must still achieve refined nuances.
In terms of sheer technical difficulty, it may be outmatched by some other formidable pieces; however, if you are playing at the limits of your ability, shaping the fine details becomes exceedingly challenging.
If you are confident in your expressive powers, by all means give it a try.
Challenging Piano Pieces | From Classical to Jazz Piano (51–60)
Play of WaterMaurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel, a great composer who created numerous masterpieces with his original musicality.
Among his works, Jeux d’eau (Fountains/Playing Water) is one of his most famous pieces.
Beginning with eighth notes in the left hand and sixteenth notes in the right, this work—despite its restrained structure—demands considerable expressiveness to produce a sound with real core.
There are many deceptively tricky spots, such as at measure 4 and in passages where the same figure jumps up two octaves.
All the more reason, though, that it makes a solid impression when performed well.
Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40: No. 1 “Prelude”Nikolai Kapustin
This piece, by Russian composer Nikolai Kapustin, who was born in Ukraine, is characterized by a bright, energetic style.
It’s rhythmic, seamlessly blending the swing feel of jazz with the precision of classical music, and it might just make your body start moving as you listen.
You may even get the illusion that a jazz combo is playing, even though it’s all on a single piano.
For performers, it demands advanced technique and offers a rewarding challenge.
For listeners, however, it’s a light and delightful piece.
It’s definitely one to hear if you love both classical and jazz.
Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40: No. 3 “Toccatina”Nikolai Kapustin
The great composer Nikolai Kapustin, beloved by many fans for his sophisticated musicality.
Among his works, the piece I especially recommend as a particularly challenging one is Eight Concert Etudes, Op.
40, No.
3 “Toccatina.” It’s a very famous work.
While it’s crafted with a jazzy flavor, the prelude is incredibly difficult! There are, of course, many other pieces that are hard in a straightforward sense, but to perform this one while fully realizing its high level of musical and dramatic effect requires considerable skill.
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 No. 7Robert Schumann
This piece is marked by its intensely passionate and dramatic expression.
Its rapid tempo combined with the key of C minor grips the listener from the start.
Though it lasts only about two minutes and thirty seconds, it distills Robert Schumann’s inner turmoil and passion.
The repeated arpeggios with fierce accents heighten the tension, and the contrast with the fugal middle section is striking.
Composed in 1838, it dates from a period when Schumann was suffering under opposition to his marriage to Clara Wieck.
It fully showcases the Romantic era’s hallmark richness of emotional expression, and it is a work that tests both pianistic technique and interpretive depth.
A masterpiece recommended for anyone seeking the profound emotional impact of classical music.
Toccata in C major, Op. 7Robert Schumann
Renowned as one of Schumann’s most challenging works, the Toccata in C major, Op.
7.
The word “toccata” in Japanese conveys a sense of “touching,” and it seems Schumann conceived it as an improvisatory piece that could also serve as a finger warm-up for performers.
However, despite being a so-called warm-up, this piece is by no means easy.
On the contrary, it ranks among the most difficult in Schumann’s output.
In pursuit of maximum virtuosic effect, it is filled with treacherous passages, and both the first and second themes demand highly advanced technique.
12 Transcendental Etudes, Op. 11: No. 10 “Lezginka”Sergey Lyapunov,
Sergei Lyapunov’s masterpiece, 12 Transcendental Études.
This work was composed as a counterpiece to Franz Liszt’s Transcendental Études, using the 12 keys that Liszt did not employ.
The rivalry extends beyond the choice of keys—the performance demands boast a level of difficulty that stands shoulder to shoulder with Liszt’s.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is No.
10, “Lezginka,” from the 12 Transcendental Études, Op.
11.
Based on dance music, it features a hard-hitting performance style that requires striking the keys with great force throughout.
In terms of difficulty profile, it feels similar to “Feux follets.”