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The Best 5 Superlative Piano Pieces in the World! The 5 best superb piano pieces in the world!

Aug 27, 2023

The piano is a beautiful instrument that can be enjoyed by many, but at the same time it is a difficult instrument that requires a very high level of skill and expression.
There are many pieces of music in the world with an astonishing degree of difficulty that pursue the piano's potential to the utmost limit.
In this article, we have selected five of the most difficult pieces and will introduce their difficulty level and appeal. How well can you play them?

No. 5: Rachmaninoff, "Grand Cadenza from Piano Concerto No. 3
Russian composer Rachmaninoff was himself an excellent pianist, and his works require a high level of technique. Among them, "Piano Concerto No. 3" is known as one of the most difficult pieces.
In particular, the "Grand Cadenza" at the end of the first movement is fast with many notes and requires independence and strength of the fingers. Balance with the orchestra and expressive tone are also important.
It is no exaggeration to say that those who can play this piece perfectly are pianists with professional-level playing skills.

No. 4: "The Devil's Staircase" by Ligeti
Ligeti, a master of contemporary music, published a three-volume collection of exercises for piano. The most famous and difficult of them all is No. 13, "The Devil's Staircase," in Volume 2.
This piece represents a rapidly ascending chromatic scale, giving the impression of the devil running up a flight of stairs.
Playing this piece requires very fast finger movements and a precise sense of rhythm. One must also pay attention to changes in volume and timbre.
This piece is one of the most difficult pieces of contemporary music.

No. 3: Balakirev, "Islamey"
Balakirev, one of the Russian Five, composed a fantasy piece with an oriental atmosphere called "Islamey.
The piece is packed with intense and complex chords, octaves, trills, glissandos, and many other techniques.
In particular, the final section features a passage in which the left and right hands move alternately at high speed. This part is famous for being extremely difficult, and it is said that this part determines whether one can play "Islamey" or not.
This piece is sometimes called "the hardest piano piece in the world.

No. 2: Liszt "Oni no Hi
Liszt, a representative of superb piano technique, left many difficult pieces. Among them, the piece "Onigibi" is one of the most difficult.
Inspired by a Japanese folk tale, this piece expresses the passion that burns like fire unleashed by an ogre.
Playing this piece requires fast and precise finger movements and control of volume and tone. You must also pay attention to the composition and development of the piece.
It is said that Liszt himself could not play this piece.

No. 1: "Symphony" by Alkan
The French composer Arcand composed his magnum opus for piano, "12 Exercises. The fourth through seventh of these pieces, called "Symphonies," consist of four movements.
These pieces have such grandeur and complexity that it is almost as if an orchestra were playing them. Playing this piece requires tremendous finger strength, stamina, and musicality.
In particular, No. 4, "Allegro," requires both hands to play different rhythms and melodies simultaneously. This piece is one of the most difficult piano pieces of all time.

These are the top 5 superb piano pieces in the world. How was it? These pieces are all difficult to challenge even for professional pianists.
However, they can give listeners strong impression and excitement. Wouldn't you like to try these pieces?

If you want to improve your piano playing ability, we recommend Lesson Grid, an online music lesson service.
At Lesson Grid, you can receive personalized instruction from professional teachers. We will provide you with the best lesson plan according to your level and goals.
In addition, at Lesson Grid, you can learn piano pieces from a variety of genres and styles. Why don't you come to Lesson Grid and experience the fun and depth of the piano?
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