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 (51–60)
Turkish MarchWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This work, notable for its cheerful and lively melody, is a masterpiece influenced by the Turkish-style music that became popular in the late 18th century.
It features distinctive rhythms modeled after the Ottoman Empire’s military bands and powerful timbres reminiscent of cymbals and drums.
Composed around 1783, the piece can be regarded as a triumph that fully showcases Mozart’s creativity during his Vienna period.
Its approachable melody and exotic atmosphere blend beautifully, making it enjoyable for listeners from classical music beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
It is sure to shine in glamorous concerts and recitals as well.
Etude ‘Railway’ Op.27bCharles Valentin Alkan
Charles-Valentin Alkan, one of the leading composers of French Romanticism.
His Étude “Le Chemin de fer” (The Iron Road) Op.
27b is considered one of his most difficult works.
The key feature of this piece is, above all, its dramatic shifts in tempo.
Right from the opening, rapid passages evoking a steam locomotive burst in.
Written largely in sixteenth notes, it keeps the right hand relentlessly busy and demands exceptional finger speed.
It’s a straightforwardly high-difficulty piece, so if you’re confident in your fingerwork, be sure to check it out.
TARKUS for pianoEmerson Lake&Palmer
An epic suite often hailed as a pinnacle of progressive rock has been arranged for piano.
Spanning about 20 minutes and divided into seven sections, it portrays the birth, battles, defeat, and rebirth of the fictional mechanical lifeform “Tarkus.” It’s characterized by fierce organ riffs, rhythms rich in irregular meters, and philosophical lyrics.
The piece explores deep themes such as war, blind obedience to authority, and the rise and fall of civilizations, and has continued to captivate music fans since its 1971 release.
It’s a recommended piece for those who want to perform technically demanding works beyond the classical repertoire, and for anyone who enjoys grand storytelling and advanced performance techniques.
Concert Etudes, 8 Pieces: No. 5 “Joke”Nikolai Kapustin
This is a vibrant piece that fuses classical music with jazz.
Included in the 1984 album “Eight Concert Etudes, Op.
40,” it has a light, witty character that tickles the listener’s imagination.
Skillfully incorporating jazz elements such as swing and boogie-woogie while honoring classical formal beauty, it’s an irresistibly appealing work.
Rhythmic, dynamic phrases unfold one after another, enveloping the entire hall in a joyful atmosphere.
Performed by world-renowned pianists like Nikolai Petrov and Marc-André Hamelin, this piece is perfect for those who want to showcase both technique and expressive power.
It’s sure to create a captivating, unforgettable stage.
Difficult Piano Pieces | From Classical to Jazz Piano (61–70)
Grand Etudes after Paganini, No. 3 ‘La Campanella’Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt’s masterpiece, Grandes études de Paganini No.
3 “La Campanella.” It’s one of the most famous piano pieces, so I imagine many of you know it.
The difficulty is at the very highest level, and even advanced players can slip and make mistakes if they lose focus.
All the more reason it’s incredibly rewarding to listen to.
The key challenges of this work are its numerous leaps and the extremely high degree of finger agility it demands.
There are no shortcuts—you can only build your skills steadily—but I encourage you to set this piece as a goal and devote yourself to practicing the piano.
Piano Sonata in B minor, S.178Franz Liszt
Liszt’s works have structures and developments that are quintessentially Lisztian.
Among them, the Piano Sonata in B minor, S.178, is one of the pieces that is particularly “Liszt-like.” Although it is somewhat easier compared to the Transcendental Études, it still ranks among the upper tier of advanced repertoire, demanding a wide range of techniques—from massive fortissimo repeated chords to extremely rapid passages.
It may look simple on the score, but once you actually play it, you’ll find it to be a challenging work.
Piano Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 “Appassionata,” Third MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.
23, Op.
57 “Appassionata,” Movement III.
While his sonatas such as the “Pathétique” and “Moonlight” are widely known, I’ve chosen to highlight this one instead.
This work can be seen as a prototype of his most famous “Fate” motif, and it features many of Beethoven’s characteristic emotional expressions.
Naturally, the performance difficulty rises in proportion to the abundance of expression, but that very quality makes it a highly compelling piece to listen to—so be sure to check it out.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced some highly challenging piano pieces.
Jazz piano featured overwhelmingly fast runs, while classical pieces had astounding leaps across the keyboard.
Their difficulty takes different forms, but both are perfect for experiencing the essence of the piano.
I hope this article sparks your interest in the instrument.