Franz Liszt Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Grandes études de Paganini No. 3 in G-sharp minor “La Campanella,” S.141/3, R.3bFranz Liszt36rank/position

Nobuyuki Tsujii - Liszt: Paganini Étude No. 3, La Campanella (2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition) [WIDE]

Completed in 1851, this piece is based on the third movement of Paganini’s Violin Concerto No.

2.

Franz Liszt, a leading composer of the Romantic era, was inspired by Paganini’s performances and resolved to become “the Paganini of the piano.” The result was this very work.

Its bell-like high-register sonorities leave a strong impression, and it pushes piano virtuosity to the extreme.

With leaps spanning as much as a fifteenth, it is a formidable piece that tests a performer’s skill.

It’s recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those interested in the possibilities of piano performance.

Each listening reveals something new—an exhilarating piece that sets the heart dancing.

From “Two Legends”: 1. Saint Francis of Assisi Preaching to the Birds, S.175 / R.17Franz Liszt37rank/position

List/Legend: 1. Saint Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds

It is a masterpiece whose graceful melodies resonate in the ear.

Composed by the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt between 1862 and 1863 and premiered in Budapest in 1865, this piece is based on the story of Saint Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds, expressing the beauty and sanctity of nature through music.

With the piano’s delicate timbre, it skillfully imitates birdsong and the sound of flowing water, and the scenes where the saint’s voice seems to speak gently are particularly striking.

Reflecting Liszt’s religious sensibility, this work is recommended for those who wish to connect with nature and faith.

Please enjoy this moving masterpiece by the composer known as the “magician of the piano.”

Fountains of the Villa d’Este, No. 4 from Années de pèlerinage, Third Year, S.163/R.10eFranz Liszt38rank/position

Liszt: Années de pèlerinage, Third Year, S.163 No. 4 “Les jeux d’eaux à la Villa d’Este”

This is a work composed in the late years of Franz Liszt, renowned as a master of the Romantic era.

It takes as its subject the fountains of the Villa d’Este in Italy, expressing the flow of water and the play of reflected light through delicate arpeggios.

Written shortly before his death in 1886, the piece showcases Liszt’s consummate artistry and is said to have influenced later Impressionist music.

With a performance time of about 7 minutes and 30 seconds, its tranquil yet richly expressive character makes it ideal for moments when you wish to calm the mind.

Although technically demanding, its beautiful melodies that evoke the movement of water are sure to captivate not only classical music enthusiasts but a broader audience as well.

Poetic and Religious Harmonies No. 7 “Funérailles,” S.173/R.14Franz Liszt39rank/position

List: Poetic and Religious Harmonies, No. 7 “Funeral, October 1849”

This is a collection of ten piano pieces, composed under the inspiration of the poetry of Alphonse de Lamartine, a French poet with whom the composer had a close friendship.

Among them, the famous “Funérailles” is regarded as a memorial piece dedicated to Liszt’s acquaintances who were executed during the Hungarian Revolution.

sighFranz Liszt40rank/position

[High-Quality Audio] Liszt: 'Consolation' ('Un Sospiro')

Although he was born in Hungary, he is largely placed within the German Romantic tradition.

Also known as the “magician of the piano,” this piece is not only virtuosic but also sweet and full of poetic sentiment, and it is a favorite on concert programs.

Fountain of Villa d’EsteFranz Liszt41rank/position

Fountains of the Villa d’Este, from Years of Pilgrimage, Third Year — Franz Liszt

Classical music includes many works themed around “water,” with plenty of pieces that bring a refreshing feeling in the height of summer.

The Fountain of the Villa d’Este is a piece included in the third year of Années de pèlerinage, a piano solo collection by Franz Liszt, one of the leading composer-pianists of the 19th century.

It holds an important place as a water-inspired classical work said to have influenced pieces such as Claude Debussy’s Reflections in the Water and Maurice Ravel’s Reflections in the Water.

Its delicate, beautiful arpeggios evoke the spray of a fountain, bringing to mind an image of cooling waters on a summer’s day.

Close your eyes as you listen to this piece, and imagine the beautiful fountain gardens of Italy.

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ChristFranz Liszt42rank/position

Liszt: Christus – 1.Weihnachts-Oratorium [Antal Doráti]

It is one of the oratorios composed by Franz Liszt, a composer renowned for his piano works.

Although Liszt was an outstanding pianist, he was also skilled at arrangement, which led him to produce many orchestral works.

Moreover, as a composer deeply committed to his Catholic faith, he devoted himself to composing and reforming sacred choral music, and thus also wrote oratorios.

Christus is a work that incorporates many elements of Gregorian chant chorales, with texts drawn from the Bible and the Catholic liturgy.

Liszt also composed another oratorio titled The Legend of St.

Elizabeth.