[Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces
The piano is an instrument that allows a single performer to play an enormous number of notes while skillfully using delicate motor skills in the fingertips and arms, interpreting the composer’s intent along with the notated instructions, and expressing the pianist’s own sensibilities.
There are many pieces that call for beautiful, nuanced expression, as well as passionate works where the keys are struck almost like a percussion instrument.
This time, we’ve selected and will introduce pieces from among the vast piano repertoire that are said to be difficult even for advanced players and professionals.
We’ve picked everything from famous works generally regarded as challenging to lesser-known pieces that may not dazzle in performance but are extraordinarily difficult.
Be sure to check them out!
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[Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces (11–20)
Transcendental Études, S.139 No. 4 “Mazeppa”Franz Liszt
This piece is one of the signature works by Franz Liszt, a towering master who shines brilliantly in the history of classical music.
Composed when he was just 15 and later revised to its final form, it portrays a grand narrative inspired by Victor Hugo’s epic poem, employing transcendental virtuosity.
With bell-like sonorities, hoofbeat-like figures, and a complex three-stave layout, it is a work of formidable technical and musical difficulty.
Within roughly seven and a half minutes, it condenses the fierce adventures of Mazeppa, making it a highly recommended piece not only for those seeking to master pianistic technique, but also for anyone wishing to savor the art of storytelling through music.
Piano Concerto No. 2, First MovementSergei Rachmaninov
It’s the first movement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.
2.
It was featured in the drama Nodame Cantabile, so many of you may be familiar with it.
It’s a piano concerto performed with orchestra rather than solo piano, and it features Rachmaninoff’s characteristically sweet melodies and beautiful lines.
The harmonic blend with the orchestra is superb, and the sense of “spinning” the sound is particularly captivating.
While the piano part is beautiful, it is, of course, highly challenging.
Many pianists who dream of performing with an orchestra take on this concerto, but beyond technical skill, it’s difficult without an invitation or direction from a conductor and orchestra—so it’s not just about playing; the musical environment also matters.
One of the joys of a concerto is the experience of playing with a conductor, but because you can’t rely solely on your own tempo, there’s also the challenge of coordinating with others.
8 Concert Etudes, Op. 40 No. 3: ToccatinaNikolay Kapustin
A masterpiece selected from a compendium of études that brilliantly fuse classical and jazz.
Composed in 1984, it seamlessly blends Latin rhythms, syncopation reminiscent of Gershwin, and passionate melodies in the vein of Scriabin.
Distinguished by wide-leaping repeated notes and intricate rhythmic patterns, it weaves together styles such as jazz, blues, and ragtime.
Demanding a high level of technical skill, it is ideal for pianists who value the formal beauty of classical music while embracing the expressive freedom of jazz.
Etude Op. 10 No. 12 “Revolutionary”Frederic Chopin
From its intense opening, the storm of sound that races forward in Étude Op.
10 No.
12, “Revolutionary,” is truly worthy of its title and stands as one of Frédéric Chopin’s signature masterpieces.
The slight-framed Chopin is said to have turned his small hands into an advantage, excelling at intricate, fast pieces.
Although the rapid passages from the very beginning can feel overwhelming, it’s astonishing that even some elementary school students take on the challenge and manage to play it.
It’s a famous piece, but its difficulty is high, so anyone who can play it is a very skilled pianist.
Be confident in yourself.
Etude Op. 10 No. 4Frederic Chopin
Chopin’s demanding piece, Etude Op.
10 No.
4.
It requires a combination of techniques and presents difficulties throughout.
Among them, the most challenging spot is probably the right hand in measures 29–30.
You have to handle the fingering while keeping the wrist supple, but because it’s hard to connect legato, the performance tends to become stiff.
Even professionals often end up sounding rigid with this etude, so be sure to check it out.
Fantasy in C major, Op. 15, D 760 “Wanderer Fantasy”Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert’s Fantasy in C major, Op.
15, D.
760, is an advanced piano work in four movements.
There’s even an anecdote that Schubert himself couldn’t play it well and said, “Let the devil play a piece like this.” The left-hand arpeggios in the fourth movement, in particular, are a torment for performers.
But beyond virtuosity, the piece demands profound musicality.
Seamlessly blending Schubert’s passion and craft, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the essence of piano performance.
There is also an arrangement by Franz Liszt, so comparing versions is highly recommended.
[Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces (21–30)
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No.
23 in F minor, “Appassionata,” Third Movement.
This intense, endlessly passionate piece is a work by Germany’s musical titan, Ludwig van Beethoven.
It’s a piece in which you can almost hear Beethoven’s suffering and sorrow as he lost his hearing.
True to its title, “Appassionata,” it captivates with a fervent, magnificent melody.
While it is highly difficult to play, it’s a piece I strongly encourage advanced players to take on.
As you reach an advanced level, you may find you can breeze through many scores, but when it comes to piano sonatas and concerto-level works, the difficulty spikes so dramatically that even professional pianists may not be able to master them despite daily practice.
At this level, even among pianists, simply being able to play it is considered remarkable.