Mazeppa
One of the hardest études ever written: the theme sits in the middle of the hand while thirds and sixths race around it.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Franz Liszt
- Year
- 1851
- Origin
- Transcendental Étude No. 4, S. 139
- Key
- D minor
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
Belongs to the hardest music written for piano. Holding the melody with the thumb while the other fingers run is the actual point.
The real hurdle
The thumb melody has to stay audible. Practise only the runs and you play past the piece.
How long does it take?
Years. A piece for people who already have a repertoire.
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?
Not realisable without a full keyboard and an even action.
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 Mazeppa?
Belongs to the hardest music written for piano. Holding the melody with the thumb while the other fingers run is the actual point.
What key is Mazeppa in?
Mazeppa is in D minor.
How many keys do you need for Mazeppa?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Mazeppa?
Franz Liszt, 1851.
Can you download the sheet music for Mazeppa 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 Mazeppa?
Years. A piece for people who already have a repertoire.
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