Liszt piece

[Nightscape]

I'm thinking about learning a Liszt piece for a competition next year.  Ideally, I want something difficult and about eight to ten minutes in length.  Granted, I don't want it to be too difficult (nothing along the lines of Don Juan or something)  but at least as challenging as La campenella or Mephisto Waltz.

The thing is though, is that it needs to be a lesser known Liszt piece.  There is a piece in a book I have called "Apparitions" that I was thinking about.  However, I cannot find a recording of this piece so I'm not so sure about it.

But if anyone has any ideas for a piece, please post them.

[steinwayguy]

Look at Les Annees de Pelerinages, or that might be too famous I don't know...

[presto agitato]

I'm thinking about learning a Liszt piece for a competition next year.  Ideally, I want something difficult and about eight to ten minutes in length.  Granted, I don't want it to be too difficult (nothing along the lines of Don Juan or something)  but at least as challenging as La campenella or Mephisto Waltz.

Ok If i were you i would learn "Funerailles" (From "Harmonies poetiques et religieuses")

Good Luck

[steinwayguy]

Ok If i were you i would learn "Funerailles" (From "Harmonies poetiques et religieuses")

Good Luck

But it's extremely famous.

[donjuan]

ok, a note: the 3 Apparitions of Liszt are not well known for very valid reasons.  -They are musically, very immature as Liszt was at the time he composed the works.  I have recordings which I havent listened to for a long time because I dont get anything out of the performance other than sheer frustration because it seems Liszt is incapable of rounding out a melody and developing a phrase in these works. Still, it's interesting listening to them to see how Liszt has matured throughout his lifetime.

Now, I suggest you take a look at Liszt's Opera Transcription of Gounod's "Waltz from Faust".  I am currently working this piece out for myself and I am finding it so much fun.  It is pianistically brilliant in it's structure as it fits the hands well and can be learned quickly.  It should be performed in about 10 minutes and shares the same virtuosity you see in Mephisto Waltz No.1 or Hungarian Rhapsody No.2.  It is one of Liszt's easier Opera Transcriptions -most certainly more playable than reminiscences de donjuan or Norma.  

This piece itself isnt very well known or frequently played, although the original Gounod Waltz theme is popular and familiar to even the most musically ignorant individuals.  

I have a great Earl Wild recording of Liszt's transcription of Waltz from Faust I am willing to share with you if you are interested.  If so, go ahead and add me to your msn messenger contact list.

Whatever you do, dont touch the 3 apparitions...  I mean, I am a gargantuan Liszt fanatic, but geez for the love of pete, dont touch the apparitions!

Best Wishes,
donjuan

[Skeptopotamus]

funerraises is a bit too easy.  wow im sure i mispelled it bigtime, but oh well...


hmmm....  I would say Chasse-Niege but that's well known.


Jeux d'Eau de la Ville D'Este isnt TOO well known.


If that's too easy there's the polonaise no 2.

[pianowelsh]

Petraca 104 annes is great piece and about 7/8 mins Not too demanding but gives moments to shine!

[earthward]

Well I don't know if this qualifies as lesser known - it's certainly lesser played: the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 9 in E-flat "Carnival in Pest." It's about 12 minutes.  Lots of flashy stuff in it but not the most difficult of his showpieces. You should check it out. 

[donjuan]

Well I don't know if this qualifies as lesser known - it's certainly lesser played: the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 9 in E-flat "Carnival in Pest." .....not the most difficult of his showpieces. You should check it out. 

It's actually one of the most difficult Rhapsodies!  Have you ever stopped and wondered why it is "lesser played"?