Feux Follets

[g_s_223]

I have tried many pieces of quite taxing piano music, but one with which I've failed miserably is Liszt's Feux Follets, from the Transcendental Studies. It just never seems to have anything like the light and airy texture that master pianists can give it.

So, any clues to what the knack is to unlock its secrets?

P.S. I agree it might be "too difficult" for me, whatever that may mean...

[thalbergmad]

Its difficult for most pianists i would have thought. However, I don't beleive in TOO difficult.

It is hard to give the correct effects if you are struggling with the mechanics of the piece. In other words, you must be able to play it with ease.
 
Perseverance is the key.

Practise until you can play it how you want to and don't give up.

[loonbohol]

Take to consideration that trills that makes this pieces very hard.
I can recommend the Pre-requisites for this pieces such as

Option#1
Liszt's La Campanella+Chopin's Chromatic etude

Option#2
Chopin's Winter wind+Chopin's Etude op.25 no.6

Try those, They are easy and maybe prerequisitive for their mechanics.

[m]

For a starter I'd learn Chopin Op.10/2 and Op.25/6. Both should greatly help in sense of lightness of touch and control over weak fingers/double notes.

Best, M

[faulty_damper]

I'd ignorantly suggest that you go to the gym to work out your fingers.  That way you'll have all the muscles in the world to play this piece.