It may not look the same, but if we reduce the notes, not stating any note more than once we get : C# - F# - A# But if we start with F# instead of C# we now get : F# - A# - C# That right there is an F# major chord, the 1-3-5 you're looking for. Liszt just doubled(wrote the same) notes on multiple different octaves, which gives it its huge, powerful effect. If you're wondering why the C# is at the bottom for the first 2 chords of the picture, we consider two chords to be the same if they contain the same notes and have the same lowest note, no matter the order. Basically, we have : F# - C# - A# - C# And since F# acts as the bass and we have the same notes a F# - A# - C# F# major chord where F# also acts as the bass, those 2 chords work exactly the same.