Liszt – Mazeppa (Transcendental Étude No. 4)

MAZEPPA!!! The story of the Hetman and the Horse, and one of Liszt's most daunting Etudes. For those of you who don't know, the galloping-like figures of this piece aren't just for difficulties sake – this Etude was inspired by the story of the Ukrainian military commander Mazeppa, specifically Lord Byron's poem about his youth, in where Mazeppa was tied to a horse and dragged around Europe as punishment for having an affair with a Polish Countess. There is obviously a lot more to the story, the summary and poem is available online for you to read, though even with this small piece of information the piece begins to make a lot more sense. This galloping motion is captured by Liszt in the use of his consecutive 24 -> 24 fingerings for the thirds (often disregarded by pianists for easier playing), but the feeling of the motion and physical look created by this movement is very reminiscent of a wild horse, it's amazing how many layers there are to the inspiration. I hope you enjoy the effects on this one, experimented more with the effects than usual and spent wayyyy too much time on designing them, though I think the result is pretty cool! All the best and wishing you all a beautiful weekend ♥

Bro Hwo is this possible

It’s incredible how light he plays the right hand at 3:34

where i can find the outro pls

Nah i cant

BRO HAD TO GET THIS ON THE 1000 TRY BRO THIS IS IMPOSSABLE

WTH

“Mazeppa” from Liszt’s Transcendental Études is a prime example of how pianistic brilliance and musical emptiness can coexist in one piece. It is absurdly difficult to play and demands countless hours of practice — yet the musical payoff is practically nonexistent.
Not only is it unpleasant and tiresome to listen to, but playing it leaves you with the distinct impression of having wasted precious mental capacity. Every single “brain bit” spent on mastering this piece is essentially thrown away. As a finger exercise it might be barely tolerable, but as music it is utterly dispensable. I can only strongly advise any pianist against wasting their time and energy on this overhyped, soulless showpiece.

„Mazeppa“ aus Liszts Transzendentalen Etüden ist ein Paradebeispiel dafür, wie man pianistische Brillanz und musikalische Sinnlosigkeit in einem Stück vereinen kann. Es ist technisch absurd schwer und kostet unzählige Stunden an Übezeit – doch der musikalische Ertrag steht in keinem Verhältnis dazu.
Das Werk ist nicht nur anstrengend und unbefriedigend zu hören, sondern hinterlässt beim Spielen vor allem eines: das Gefühl, seine geistigen Ressourcen sinnlos verschwendet zu haben. Jeder einzelne „Hirn-Bit“, den man in das Erlernen dieses Stückes investiert, ist schlicht vergeudet. Als Fingerübung vielleicht noch tolerierbar, als Musik jedoch vollkommen entbehrlich. Ich kann nur eindringlich davon abraten, sich mit diesem überambitionierten und inhaltsleeren Stück zu beschäftigen.

O C T A V E S 1:10