When starting to work on a new piece, after a preliminary analysis (before the first reading), we should clearly define the goals and means - exercises that will help us achieve these goals. At the initial stage of work on the piece, of course, the most important goal is to master the musical text. There are many theories about the first stage of work on a piece. For obvious reasons, we are skipping the method of learning a piece without music score, which Couperin mentions in his book. It is particularly important at the initial stage of piano education, because it allows you to constantly control the proper functioning of the apparatus. Today, however, we want to present, in a very general way, how Franciszek Liszt worked on a piece.

When starting work on a new piece, Franz Liszt read the music very carefully and several times at a slow pace. Each time he paid attention to a different musical element and performance aspect. The Liszt stages of reading a piece could be presented in the following sections:
1. Careful reading of notes written in the score.
2. Reading music text with very accurate realization of the values of notes, rests and periods.
3. Implementation of dynamic markings along with your own dynamic suggestions.
4. Establishing proportions and sound plans.
5. Selection of tempo corresponding to the character of a piece.
After such a thorough analysis of the musical text, Franciszek Liszt began to master the pianistic and memory aspect of the piece. It is worth adding to the above list the need to determine the correct fingering, articulation and phrasing. These elements should also be implemented at the initial stage of work on the piece.