The present invention includes methods, devices, and compositions having improved piezoelectric characteristics with high energy density. Compositions of the present invention are ceramic materials of the formula: Pb[(Zr.sub.0.52Ti.sub.0.48)O.sub.3].sub.1-x[(Zn.sub.1/3Nb.sub.2/- 3)O.sub.3].sub.x+Mn, where x is 0.05 to 0.20 and Mn is manganese in a form that is present from about 0.1 to 1.5 wt %. Suitable manganese forms as the starting material include MnCO.sub.3, MnO.sub.2, MnO, and Mn.sub.3O.sub.4. The compositions exhibit a high product of piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant. The compositions are polycrystalline or textured with a dense microstructure and small grain. The piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant obtained from such compositions are superior to those of conventional hard or soft ceramics and yield a magnitude product of the piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant that is significantly higher than those reported in the literature or in available with commercial or conventional ceramic compositions.