Franz Liszt – Totentanz
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The 20 scariest pieces of classical music
15. Franz Liszt – Totentanz
Liszt was obsessed with all things macabre and explored it frequently in his work. His 'Mephisto Waltz', Pensées des morts and 'La lugubre gondola' all flirt with the notion of death and the after life. Totentanz (Dance of the Dead) is immediately recognisable by its menacing opening discordant notes in the orchestra and piano, which paves the way for a thrilling 15 minutes of virtuosic and unearthly piano music.
