Franz Liszt Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Piano Sonata in B minor, S.178Franz Liszt8rank/position

Liszt: Piano Sonata in B Minor S.178

Composed between 1849 and 1853, this masterpiece is renowned as a pinnacle of piano music.

It revolutionizes the traditional sonata form with an innovative design that, while cast in a single movement, encompasses the conventional four-movement structure.

From the quiet descending figure of the opening, to powerful octaves and a majestic melody, the work abounds in musical contrasts.

With its meticulous architecture and profound expressiveness, it has been performed by many great artists, including Claudio Arrau and Martha Argerich.

Its structure, akin to a grand musical edifice, and the highly demanding technique required make it ideal for those who wish to push the expressive possibilities of the piano to the utmost.

When it was premiered in Berlin in 1857 by Hans von Bülow, it received a mixed reception, but today it is recognized as an important work.

Years of Pilgrimage, Second Year – Supplement: “Venice and Naples,” S.162, No. 3: “Tarantella”Franz Liszt9rank/position

List: Years of Pilgrimage, Second Year – Supplement “Venice and Naples,” S.162/R.10, A197 3. “Tarantella” Shogo Tsukada

The third piece, Tarantella, from Franz Liszt’s Venezia e Napoli, S.162—an appendix to the second year of Années de pèlerinage—could be called nothing less than a culmination of his work.

Composed intermittently from his twenties through his sixties, it allows listeners to experience the transition from Romanticism to Impressionism.

As one would expect from a work by Liszt, it is highly demanding.

The passages with continuous intricate ornamentation are especially challenging; however, because they also produce a striking performance effect, the piece is extraordinarily captivating to listen to.

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Concert Paraphrase on Rigoletto, S.434Franz Liszt10rank/position

Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt’s Rigoletto, Paraphrase de concert, S434

Verdi’s opera Rigoletto, premiered in Rome in 1851.

This Concert Paraphrase on “Rigoletto,” S.434, is based on one of the pieces from the opera.

While it may be considered somewhat niche among those unfamiliar with classical music, it is renowned among classical enthusiasts as a work of supreme artistry and formidable difficulty.

It demands an exceptionally delicate touch; without a performer who can finely control finger pressure, the tone can become harsh.

Because the atmosphere varies greatly depending on the performer, I encourage you to compare different interpretations and savor this piece.

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Spanish Rhapsody, S.254Franz Liszt11rank/position

[Ultimate Virtuosity] I tried playing the highest-difficulty piece in Vienna, Rapsodie espagnole! Listening along with the pianist’s inner voice opens up a new world…?! Sweat, sweat?! [Liszt]

Among Franz Liszt’s works, the piece regarded as particularly difficult—even for a pianist famed for transcendental virtuosity—is the Rhapsodie espagnole (Spanish Rhapsody).

Composed from impressions he gained during his 1845 visit to Spain, the work weaves in melodies of Spanish folk dances throughout and offers a dazzling display of pianism.

Its virtuoso passages, scattered across the entire piece, are frequently chosen for international competitions, yet only a very small number of pianists can perform it.

It is truly a repertoire piece for professionals who possess advanced technique, expressive depth, and robust stamina.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6Franz Liszt12rank/position

Liszt – Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 (1,500,000 SPECIAL)

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.

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Cradle Song, S.174, R.57Franz Liszt13rank/position

Berceuse, S. 174/R. 57a: Berceuse, S174a/R57a (1st Version)

When people think of Franz Liszt, many imagine passionate, romantic music and pieces of superhuman virtuosity.

However, his Lullaby, S.174 R.57, while retaining Liszt’s characteristic sweetness, is entirely devoid of intensity and unfolds gently from start to finish—a beautiful work that seems to guide you into a comfortable sleep.

The note count is modest and the score is easy to read, but to maintain the calm flow and play smoothly, precise control of the fingertips is essential.

With proper hand form, cherish each and every note as you play.

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Years of Pilgrimage, Book II: Italy, S.161 — No. 7 “Après une lecture de Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata”Franz Liszt14rank/position

2020 PTNA Special Grade Semifinal – Shunta Morimoto / Liszt / Années de pèlerinage, Second Year: “Après une lecture du Dante”

For those who want to perform a lesser-known piece at a piano recital, I recommend Liszt’s “Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année: Italie, S.161, No.

7 ‘Après une lecture du Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata.’” In terms of difficulty, it’s easier than Chopin’s Fantasy and not prohibitively hard, yet it’s perfect for showcasing solid technique.

Unusually for Liszt, it has a high performance payoff, so it’s enjoyable even as a straightforward piece.

The leaps in the coda are quite challenging, so if you’re confident in your technique, definitely give it a try.

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