F. Liszt | Liebestraum S. 541, n. 3 (1850)
 
Few pieces in history have faced alternating reputations like Franz Liszt’s Liebestraum (“love dream”) No. 3. Its initial success was overwhelming, becoming one of the most beloved and frequently played pieces in the second half of the 19th century. Then, after spending 80 years as a must-have piece in any pianist's repertoire, Liebestraum No. 3 fell into disfavor after 1930, as changing musical tastes began to disregard the piece as sugary, sentimental and lacking complexity compared to other compositions by Liszt. Nonetheless, mutating trends should not distract from recognizing the piece absolute value. Liebestraum No. 3 is a magnificent example of Liszt’s capability to mix tender melodic lines, emotional climaxes, and virtuosity, the latter evident in the two cadenzas that divide the three main sections of the piece.