Franz Liszt Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Years of Pilgrimage, Second Year: Italy — After Reading DanteFranz Liszt78rank/position

Liszt : Après une lecture de Dante par Alexandre Kantorow (Années de pèlerinage)

First drafted in 1849, this work draws inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy.

From the outset, a scale progression featuring dissonances is employed, evoking the atmosphere of the abyss of Hell.

From the middle to the latter sections, beautiful melodies and dramatic developments are inserted, as if symbolizing the hope and light of Purgatory and Heaven, imparting sweeping dramatic contours to the entire piece.

Demanding advanced technique, this work is a showcase for the pianist’s skill: one must convey storm-like, intense emotions while naturally shaping the flow toward tranquility.

Forgotten Waltz No. 1Franz Liszt79rank/position

Forgotten Waltz No. 1 (Liszt) — Valse oubliée No. 1 (Liszt)

A jewel-like miniature left by 19th-century master Franz Liszt.

Composed in July 1881 during his later years, Liszt—also renowned as a Hungarian-born virtuoso pianist—crafted this roughly three-minute piece in which graceful melodies intertwine with bold harmonies, distilling his mature musical voice.

Its floating sonorities are exquisitely balanced with elements of a conventional waltz, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.

With a difficulty level approachable for intermediate pianists, it serves as an excellent gateway into Liszt’s world.

Liebesträume No. 2: ‘I Am Dead’Franz Liszt80rank/position

List: Liebesträume — Three Nocturnes, S.541, R.211 No. 2 “I Have Died” Pf. Mikhail Kandinsky: Mikhail Kandinsky

When it comes to Franz Liszt’s Liebesträume, No.

3—set to Ferdinand Freiligrath’s poem “O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst”—is the famous one.

But No.

2, “Ich bin gestorben,” set to a poem by the German poet Ludwig Uhland, is also a stunning hidden gem.

Unlike the flowing No.

3, No.

2 unfolds as if savoring heartfelt emotion—this is its distinctive character.

Because you must play with awareness of the resonance of each individual note, following the notes themselves is relatively easy, but there is a demanding difficulty in that nothing can be glossed over.

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Liebesträume No. 3: ‘O Lieb, so lang du lieben kannst’ S.541 / R.211Franz Liszt81rank/position

Liszt / Liebesträume – Three Nocturnes No. 3 “O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst”

A three-piece piano work subtitled “Three Nocturnes.” The third piece is particularly famous and is a popular work often performed on its own.

It was originally composed as a song set to a poem by the German poet Freiligrath and later arranged for solo piano.

Its graceful, shimmering melody leaves a lasting impression.

Dark clouds S.199 R.78Franz Liszt82rank/position

Dark Clouds S.199 R.78 in B-flat major

Dark Clouds, S.199 R.78, with its strikingly modern harmonic sonorities, is a late work by Franz Liszt.

If you come to it with the image of Liszt formed by dramatic pieces like La Campanella or romantic ones like Liebesträume No.

3, you might even find it hard to believe it’s by the same composer.

In this piece, Liszt is said to have deliberately made experimental use of enigmatic chords and dissonances.

If you’d like to take on not only the famous masterpieces but also lesser-known works that convey Liszt’s deep commitment to composition, why not try performing this one?

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Dark Cloud S.199 / R78Franz Liszt83rank/position

Liszt- Nuages Gris (Gray Clouds), Alexander Djordjevic, piano

This is an experimental late work by Franz Liszt, one of the representative composers of the Romantic era.

Composed in 1881 for piano, it is characterized by innovative musical expression for its time, including attempts at non-functional harmony and a departure from traditional tonality.

Despite its short duration of about two minutes and thirty seconds, it exudes a gloomy atmosphere that conveys deep sorrow and a religious hue.

Today, it is widely recognized as a work that symbolizes Liszt’s spirit of musical inquiry and avant-garde stance.

It was also used on the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut, and its continued influence on contemporary culture is another compelling aspect.

Dance at the village tavernFranz Liszt84rank/position

2013 Oji Hall Prize / Ryota Yamazaki Liszt: Dance at the Village Inn

Starting with a lively rhythm that conjures vivid images of ringing voices, the graceful dances of the ballerinas, and villagers chatting with drinks in hand, this piece could well be called one of Liszt’s hidden gems.

It was actually featured in the drama Nodame Cantabile, so many of you may have heard it before—but I highly recommend listening to it in full.