La Campanella
The little bell – one of the most notorious études in the repertoire, famous for leaps across two octaves.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Franz Liszt
- Year
- 1851
- Origin
- Grandes études de Paganini No. 3
- Key
- G# minor
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The right hand leaps continuously over long distances and must stay light. Concert literature, not a practice grade.
The real hurdle
The leaps. Hitting them is one thing, hitting them quietly another.
How long does it take?
Years. Simplified versions exist and are a different piece.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
88 keys and an action that allows very fast repetition.
Instruments that suit it
Roland FP-E50 EU approx. €690–780Portable digital piano with PHA-4 Standard action.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845 EU approx. €2,200–2,600The Clavinova upper class: GrandTouch-S action with wooden keys – CFX plus Bösendorfer Imperial on board.
Kawai MP11SE EU approx. €2,200–2,350Stage piano with Grand Feel action.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is La Campanella?
The right hand leaps continuously over long distances and must stay light. Concert literature, not a practice grade.
What key is La Campanella in?
La Campanella is in G# minor.
How many keys do you need for La Campanella?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed La Campanella?
Franz Liszt, 1851.
Can you download the sheet music for La Campanella for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn La Campanella?
Years. Simplified versions exist and are a different piece.
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