Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor

Franz LisztS. 244

RomanticIconicrhapsodyC-sharp minorLento a capriccio4/4~9 min
H9
Henle (estimated)
RCM 10

About this piece

This is one of the most virtuosic pieces in the piano repertoire, famous for its transition from a melancholic introduction to an explosive, technical coda. It uniquely combines Hungarian folk elements with extreme bravura display.

Teacher notes

The primary challenge is managing the stamina and precision required for the demanding octave passages and rapid-fire cadenzas.

Technical focus

speed-agilityoctave-runslarge-chordsrubatodramatic-contrast

Mood

energeticbrilliantdramaticplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 9 pieces (Virtuoso) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor (S. 244) by Franz Liszt?

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor (S. 244) is rated Henle level 9 of 9 — virtuoso repertoire, roughly concert / virtuoso level. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.

What level do I need to play Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 9 — meaning you can already play level 8–9 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor?

A typical performance of Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor (S. 244) lasts about 9 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor?

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor (S. 244) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Capriccio alla turca on Ruins of Athens by Franz Liszt, Capriccio alla turca sur des motifs de Beethoven by Franz Liszt, Capriccio alla turca by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.