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Étude en douze exercices, S.136, Op. 6, No. 12 in B-flat minor
![First page of the score: Étude en douze exercices, S.136, Op. 6, No. 12 in B-flat minor · Franz Liszt (1811–1886) — First edition · Paris: Dufaut et Dubois, [1827]](https://i0.wp.com/leanoregillet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/score-liszt-s136-12-dufaut-1827.webp?fit=1500%2C1921&ssl=1)
History
Composed in 1826, the Études en douze exercices, S.136, Op. 6, belong to Franz Liszt’s earliest compositional period, when he was still a teenage prodigy. These studies represent Liszt’s first systematic exploration of pianistic technique and foreshadow his lifelong engagement with the étude as both a technical and artistic genre. Although conceived as pedagogical works, these early études already reveal Liszt’s exceptional understanding of the keyboard and his instinct for dramatic gesture. The final étude, No. 12 in B-flat minor, stands out for its intensity and expressive drive, anticipating the more virtuosic and expansive style that would later define Liszt’s mature piano writing.
Structure
The étude is written in a compact, continuous form driven by steady rhythmic motion and dramatic harmonic tension. The Allegro non troppo marking suggests controlled intensity rather than sheer speed, emphasizing clarity and precision. The piece develops short motivic figures through repetition and variation, demanding evenness of touch, coordination between the hands, and dynamic control. Its dark tonality and persistent forward motion create a sense of urgency, making the étude both a technical challenge and a musically expressive work despite its pedagogical origins.
Original title
Étude en douze exercices, S.136, Nr. 12, b-Moll
In the Repertoire since
2025
Currently studied