Liebestraum No. 3
Liszt’s best-known quiet piece: a melody that travels between both hands, with two cadenzas shaped freely by the player.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Franz Liszt
- Year
- 1850
- Origin
- S. 541 No. 3
- Key
- A♭ major
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The melody sits in the middle voice and changes hands. Plus two fast cadenzas that set the level of difficulty.
The real hurdle
Lead the melody with the thumb while the other fingers accompany. That is the real work, not the cadenzas.
How long does it take?
Three to six months.
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?
Full keyboard and an instrument with good decay – the melody has to stay above the accompaniment.
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 Liebestraum No. 3?
The melody sits in the middle voice and changes hands. Plus two fast cadenzas that set the level of difficulty.
What key is Liebestraum No. 3 in?
Liebestraum No. 3 is in A♭ major.
How many keys do you need for Liebestraum No. 3?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Liebestraum No. 3?
Franz Liszt, 1850.
Can you download the sheet music for Liebestraum No. 3 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 Liebestraum No. 3?
Three to six months.
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