Top 10 Most Difficult Piano Pieces 

To my dedicated subscribers, this video is a little experiment! Recently, RU-vid has been pushing down classical music and this format seems to be what is being recommended by the algorithm. Although recognizable, the pieces in this compilation aren't actually the most difficult - but I've made another 'Top 10' list for you that contains some pieces which would be impossible to have on RU-vid in video form. *_HERE IS A MORE REALISTIC TOP 10:_* *10) Balakirev - Islamey* This piece often gets thrown around as being 'the most difficult piano piece'. Though insanely virtuosic and really beautiful melodically, this romantic work is far from the most difficult piano piece ever composed. *9) Beethoven - Hammerklavier (Piano Sonata No. 29)* As the name suggests, this mammoth of a Sonata (which is almost 1 hour long) contains Beethoven's typical intensity, but also his beautiful melodic writing that makes it a challenge both physically and musically. The Fugue in particular is nigh on impossible to perform at the tempo Beethoven wrote, and is rarely attempted at full tempo even by pianists today. Legend says Beethoven claimed no one would be able to play it in 100 years, though not even 20 years after completion, a certain young Franz Liszt performed the work in what would be one of his greatest concerts. *8) Ravel - Gaspard de la nuit* Arguably Ravel's greatest piano work - this set of three works based on poems by Bertrand is a musical wonder. The contrasting imagery Ravel captures in the three works is absolutely magical. The first piece, Ondine, tells the dream-like story of a nymph singing to lure an outsider into her underwater kingdom. The second, Le Gibet, a story about a corpse hanging in a desert with bells ringing from a nearby city, creating an eerie atmosphere. The third and final, Scarbo, a nightmarish goblin/devil who haunts the poet in his sleep - this work is also often flaunted as the most difficult piano work, but it definitely takes the cake in Impressionism. *7) Godowsky - Passacaglia in B Minor* It's no surprise Godowsky's name begins with 'God', famed for his Chopin Etude studies, this piece is easily one of the best examples of variation theme. This work not only contains a virtuosic passacaglia (bassline repeats throughout) of gargantuan proportions, but then takes the theme and crafts an incredible fugue around it. Like many pieces so far, playing this work not only requires a massive feat of physical endurance, but extreme musicality and control. *6) Liszt - Gallop in A Minor* What would a Top 10 piano list be without Liszt? Not much needs to be said here other than this fun Gallop is next to impossible to perform at tempo. C major/A minor are usually the first keys a pianist learns when starting out on piano, though they often don't know that these are the hardest keys to master, and virtuosic playing on black keys is significantly easier. You also know a piece is extremely difficult when most recordings of it are MIDI reproductions - Mereaux, a contemporary of Liszt, also wrote a devilish short work in A minor, his Etude, Op. 63 No. 45 and MIDI is the form you will find it in most often. *5) Alkan - Concerto for Solo Piano* Alkan - Liszt's greatest rival in Paris. A good friend of both him and Chopin, the path of history has made him the lesser known virtuoso pianist of that time period, though he was equally respected during his time. An extremely rare form of concerto (which are usually for a solo instrument with an orchestral accompaniment - this work is almost stretching the definition of the style to its limits), this monumental work is one of Alkan's greatest, and one of the most difficult solo piano works of the romantic repertoire. *4) Ligeti - Piano Concerto* One of the names most associated with "Piano Concerto" is Rachmaninoff, with his 2nd and 3rd piano concertos being some of the staples of the form, but in terms of pure difficulty, avant garde composer Ligeti may take the cake. Due to being extremely complex musically, containing two time signatures at once (4/4 & 12/8) along with changing tempo and extreme syncopation, it is arguably the most difficult piano concerto written to date. *3) Xenakis - Mists* Up until this point, time signatures have been an important part in the piano works listed. Not here. Xenakis was not only a musician, but an architect and used mathematical models extensively in his music. In this piece, there is no time signature, but all of the musical content has been excruciatingly mathematically calculated. Actually playing this piece faithfully to the score is likely not physically possible for a human to achieve. *2) Messiaen - Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus* Now we get into the big leagues. Messiaen's Vingt Regards, a set of 20 pieces that in full is 2 hours long. Not only a pianist, but an organist too, religion was a big theme for Messiaen - this work is described as a meditation on the infancy of Jesus. With harmonic similarities to French Impressionism, infused with with the musical complexity and exploration of the early 20th century, this is one of Messiaen's greatest works, and certainly one of the most difficult. *1) Sorabji - Symphonic Variations for Piano* This piece is 9 hours long. 9. Hours. Long. Sorabji is known for his ridiculously difficult and ridiculously long works, and this one is at the top of his list. This piece is so difficult, a full recording does not even exist, and in terms of pure difficulty - it is pretty safe to say that this is the most difficult piano work ever written. As always - take these with a grain of salt, a 'Top 10' list is highly subjective and there are thousands of pieces that would be fit to be here. There is too much difficult music out there and especially on RU-vid, where audience retention is favored, it is impossible to capture a lot of what makes these works difficult. If you would like to hear some of the pieces listed, here are some recordings: *10) Balakirev - Islamey* (Pogorelich): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cepieLOSu24.html *9) Beethoven - Hammerklavier* (Levit): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-erD1Yy-4F5M.html *8) Ravel - Gaspard de la nuit* (Hamelin): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E1yFDKXfwl4.html *7) Godowsky - Passacaglia* (Siirala): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-f0nlJXooIVc.html *6) Liszt - Gallop in A minor* (Clidat): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-smobyeL5p_4.html *Mereaux - Etude, Op. 63 No. 45* (MIDI): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jTRmtaGx85s.html *5) Alkan - Solo piano concerto* (Hamelin) Mvt 1: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-W3XKeqy8xd4.html Mvt 2: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zPIB5OM8nlw.html Mvt 3: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ne7XYi1i5l0.html *4) Ligeti - Piano Concerto* (Wosner): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P3mDevv2LP0.html *Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto no 3* (Volodos), Mvt. 1: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fDblE1CcrR4.html *3) Xenakis - Mists* (MIDI): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZH4j70KU-RQ.html *2) Messiaen - Vingt Regards* (Loriod): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ovMnmIoZh74.html 1) No recordings exist. Thank you to the pianists of my discord server, and specifically David, for their input regarding this list.

You obviously haven't seen me play twinkle twinkle little star with 1 finger

“I paid for the whole piano, I will use the whole piano.”

Perfect song for beginners. Simple and easy to memorize.

The composers were such genius people. The way they were able to create these masterpieces back in the day.

My Brain: "Eyy let's do it!" My Hands: "What the fuck."

Simply Piano ads be like: Day 1: *Twinkle Twinkle Little Star* Day 3: *This*

Can we just talk about the fact that you had to learn and practice all of that!? HOW!? The sheer amount of insanely difficult songs that you can play is absolutely incredible. Not even just this video but the fact that there are whole videos of them individually, too! Like holy crap, man!

For anyone that needs it: 0:00 - Summer by Antonio Vivaldi 0:54 - Fantaisie-Impromptu by F.F. Chopin 1:27 - Flight of the Bumblebee 2:02 - Moonlight Sonata 3rd Movement by Ludwig van Beethoven 2:31 - Little Red Riding Hood by Rachmaninoff 2:57 - Etude (Waterfall) by F.F. Chopin 3:42 - Etude (Torrent) by F.F. Chopin 4:29 - Etude (Winter Wind) by F.F. Chopin 5:18 - La Campanella by Liszt 6:19 - Hungarian Rhapsody 6 by Liszt What's your favorite piano song?

i can’t even hit the wrong notes that fast

imagine getting into an argument with this person on text

his transition from piece to piece is so smooth!!

That transition between Winter Wind and La Campanella was incredible!

Scales: exist Chopin: Let me add a little bit of *S P I C E* to that

My brain: I want to play this! My hands: No, you don't

Pure brilliance. With every key you pressed I seen the hard work and dedication you put in to be as skilled as you displayed. Truly heart warming

Thank you SO much for the wonderful music. I grew up listening to my mom play almost all of these, stuck at home (being the required housewife of the 1950''s). Your video is a trip down memory lane for my childhood .. and you are an excellent pianist. I love seeing the hands .. it's almost like watching my mom play.

"How many notes can we fit in two minutes?" Chopin: "Yes"

“Top ten most difficult piano pieces” *plays them flawlessly*

Can we just appreciate how his transitions between each piece is smooth? His colour keys, and how much effort he went through with? 🎉🎉🎉 Always gonna support you! 😊😊❤❤ Even the comments, so much detail! Some people think he can do it in one snap a finger, but it takes loads of practice and time. For those people that think they can do this, why don’t you try? Nobody can beat Rousseau, no way! 😊😊

The way you play the piano is magical and beautiful .I have been practicing it for years ,and I'm pretty good at it. But bro, YOU'RE A LEGEND.

The creators of those "pieces" were like : I paid for the piano, i'm gonna the use whole piano.

Simple music exists... Chopin: WE DON'T DO THAT HERE

0:55 this is so beautiful WOW!

Thank you for making these videos. You are very talented; and the format you chose is brilliant (illuminating).

Rousseau: “10 MOST DIFFICULT SONGS ON THE PIANO” Also Rousseau: *plays it like nothing*

This video is the ultimate flex, he is basically saying "This are the 10 most difficult piano pieces and I can play them all". Absolute Legend.

Impressive how Rosseau is playing every single of these pieces. Great Work!

8 years ago i tried playing hungarian raphsody and failed miserably and after that i was determined to be able to play it flawlessly and started taking piano lessons. and that's how i got the nickname "Beethovens long lost cousin" long story short i became i really good pianist because of the hungarian raphsody and yes i can play it pretty well now

I paused the video to give his hand some rest

Can we just appreciate the fact these pieces were played by a real person

Just found you. I had forgotten how much I missed listening to classical music. Thank you for sharing your talent =).

Thanks for the description!

Rousseau: I've bought the whole piano so I'll use the whole piano.

He was like tickling the piano and the piano is giggling.

I am impressed with this performance everytime. Never fails.

AWESOME BRO I remember all these songs either in a game, cartoon or movie. Its actually a talent to do such difficult notes so easily

This human's fingers are faster than my internet speed y'all

4:14 Right Hand: can you help me?!?! Left Hand: YOU need help?!

The fact that this is the same who plays all this is just insane 💯 he can play a whole concert by himself 🙏

Brilliant, the complexity just keeps getting better and better until bam, we hit the end!! You've inspired me to dust off the keys and start practising again

I'm convinced some pieces written by Chopin are not made to enjoy them but to appreciate the true skill of the person playing them.

Phew. I’m exhausted just watching you play. That’s my workout for the day.

I always rewind the composition, I can't stop listening. I've been supporting you since long ago in 2018. I'm waiting for a new video, all the best.

"Go home Chopin, you're drunk" -every pianist, ever

I’m convinced Liszt and Chopins main goals in life were to bully pianists.

Thank you for the amazing music🎹🎶

Thanks alot for this excellent music.

'looks at video' "looks at piano" Hands: don't even think about it

He has more control over this piano than l have over my life.

its beautiful, i can't stop listening to it💓

This is the first video I hv watched from this channel yet I had to give in just by looking at the sheer talent and efforts taken by this guy. I subscribed....

This dude can write a 20 page essay in under 30 minutes

If you blink your eyes once _you've missed 100 notes_

Thank you for the link. Nice listening

That's crazy ☺️ great job 👏🏻

If you close your eyes and listen to these songs you could see Tom chasing Jerry around the house😂😂😂

These are easy. Just practice 40 hours a day, 11 days a week.

Gorgious, genious , amazing😮 thanks for letting us take part in your talent ❤

0:04 - Vivaldi Summer 0:53 - Fantaisie Impromptu 1:27 - Flight Of The Bumblebee 2:01- Moonlight Sonata /3rd MVT 2:31 - Little Red Riding Hood 2:56 - Etude Of 10 NO 1 3:42 - Etude Of 10 NO 4 4:27 - Etude Of 25 NO 11 5:16 - La Campanella 6:18 - Hungarian Rhapsody 6 Your welcome :)

I can't imagine how the piano sheets would look like... 😳

5:52 Me finishing my homework when my teacher is collecting it

Brain: I want to try to play this Hands: Nuh uh not today

Chopin and Liszt be like: Whata hell our easiest pieces are doing in this video

These song requires: 11 Hands, 37 Fingers, and 726 Years

Imagine what music we would have if people had more than 10 fingers.

I started learning piano last week and was looking for some pieces to learn, this video is a great help, thank you!

this is amazing..thank you so much

See how his left hand co-operates with the right hand, mine doesn't.

The piano after this lights a cigarette and says: "I've never been touched like this before"

Hahahahahahaaaa! Can't get enough . . . LOVE IT!! Insanely talented. Thanks and cheers from Sydney Australia.

Can't get enough of it, it's my jam! 🎶👌

No one: My cat running across my keyboard:

Chopin is insane. Who else could write such brutally difficult yet beautiful pieces?

You play so awesome ! congratulations!🎉

I've heard rumours Rachmanioff's hands had abs

This video is just Rousseau calling us garbage in 7 different languages Edit : *I just started a war*

😮 Wow! You are gifted!

Best 10 minutes I've spent in a long time...thanks!!

This video's title must have been 'Top 10 Most Difficult Piano Pieces For YOU' cause he plays it like it's just a piece of cake

The people who made these pieces forgot we had 10 fingers.

This makes me feel so satisfied that I have been watching this for like a month and I am still watching this

wow, so much dedication to everyone, his followers, and just people that just listen to this for fun

As someone else once said, "The problem is, I only have 10 fingers".

Girl: hey, you have really nice arms, have you been working out? Him: Nah, i just played hungarian rhapsody 6

You make it look hard and easy at the same time 😊

amazing!u r so talented!amazing work!😍

Beethoven: I have the hardest piano music Chopin: hold my pencil Also Chopin: wait nvm give it back I need to write more hard pieces

Title: Hardest Piano Pieces Him: Plays it so smoothly like he played it 1,000 times before

FANTASTIC!! THANK YOU!

Wow. Even I couldn't play this in two weeks. Good Job!

No one : Chopin : I WILL COMPLICATE THE WORLD OF MUSIC

When the teacher is collecting your homework and you haven’t finished it yet:

Masterful! That's great!

Le scénario, les couleurs, l'enchainement, la dextérité des mains. Cette vidéo est subjugante. Je voulais la survoler à un moment ou je n'avais pas le temps, je suis resté scotché devant... jusqu'au bout. Chapeau, l'artiste.

Einstein: nothing can travel faster than the speed of light This guy: hold my piano

Me: I am good pianist. *watched the video.* Me: I am nothing. Time to die.

Omg well done! 😮

your soo good, i just learned my first hard peice on the piano (solfegietto) and im shocked at this. your amazing

His hands and fingers said “⤵️🔼↕️◀️↗️◀️⤴️⬅️⤵️⬅️🔃🔼⬇️⬆️↙️↖️⬅️”