Famous Pieces from the Romantic Period

Chopin's Fantasy Impromptu, Op. 66 was his most famous impromptu due to its unique, contrasting 'texture' and rhythm between the right and left hand. The complication and intensity is very intriguing for the pianist and audience.

The Etude Un Sospiro by Liszt is loved for its moving and poetic feel, with sections of dramatics incorporated into the piece. The harmony constantly transfers between the right and left hand making it difficult to achieve a smooth tone throughout.

Debussy used his inspiration from the poem "Claire de Lune," which means moonlight, to create a piece with a beautiful and mesmerizing tone that is both extremely melancholy and relaxed, yet very intriguing. He titled this piece Claire de Lune as well, and it is now one of his most recognized pieces to date.

The three movements of the Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven were much more dramatic than any sonata at the time and intrigued many because of its mysterious and smoothly flowing, yet dramatic, feel.