Franz Liszt's minor and unfamiliar piano compositions: Representative works for intermediate-level pedagogical use

Abstract

Franz Liszt was one of the most prolific composers in history. Of his almost one-thousand and three hundred works, the great number of them are piano compositions, many of which have been forgotten and neglected. These forgotten pieces are invaluable for pedagogical purposes, especially for those intermediate level students who are still struggling with octaves and chords. This document consists of a careful selection of Franz Liszt's piano works that can be used for the intermediate piano student, both for their artistic worth and their ability to build a technical "bridge" to advanced level repertoire. Part One of this study provides: (a) a general overview of Franz Liszt's piano technique and piano music before 1830; (b) discussion of influences from Berlioz, Paganini and Chopin in Liszt's music; (c) an outline of his compositions of different periods; and (d) his great contributions and innovations to piano music. In Part Two, after a brief discussion of the technique of the intermediate level student, a pedagogical analysis of a number of carefully selected pieces is provided. This analysis is based on a discussion of techniques, musical expression and style from a piano teacher's perspective.