Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt redefined Romantic piano writing, marrying orchestral sonorities with unprecedented technical daring and electrifying stage charisma. Aspiring players often begin with the lyrical “Liebesträume” No. 3, whose soaring melodies conceal moderately challenging passage-work suitable for solid late-intermediate technique. By contrast, virtuoso showpieces such as the Paganini Étude No. 3 “La Campanella” and the Transcendental Étude “Mazeppa” push pianists to the limit with fearless leaps, rapid repeated notes and relentless stamina tests. Operatic paraphrases like Réminiscences de Don Juan further escalate the challenge through intricate counterpoint and octave-laden virtuosity that ranks among Liszt's most demanding creations. Audience favourites such as the swaggering Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 blend folkloric rhythms with brilliant cadenzas, epitomising the flamboyant style that cemented Liszt's reputation as the original piano superstar.