Science and Music
Faking Franz Liszt's Hardest Notes

Why can't they play the hardest notes by Liszt?
-40 octaves = 40 different hand movements in about 3 seconds.
-38 times -the hands have to switch directions...............................
-19 times -the hands move in opposite directions........................
-14 different types of opposite hand movements ..............................
-THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE- Liszt requires the performer to "hammer" out each of the octaves at full volume, adding about an additional inch to the distance between each of the octaves....................................................
The total distance the hands move is about 156 inches if hammered as required by Liszt .........................................................
If the octaves are not hammered and played at less volume, the total distance can be shortened to 111 inches......................................