Franz Liszt Music
Franz Liszt music is some of the most difficult ever for the piano. But its complexity means Liszt’s pieces which touch listeners on many levels.
Liszt transformed the role of the piano. Before him, people didn’t really take it seriously. But Liszt used it as a mini-orchestra, using it to paint thousands of shades and colors. People sat up and listened afterwards!
Some people think that Liszt’s music is attention-seeking and brash. They have a point, but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of pianistic fireworks!!
As a (former!) piano player I can say that Liszt’s piano music is extremely “pianistic”. Even though it’s enormously difficult, it uses the hands and wrists’ natural shape.
Franz Liszt was very well-traveled. He had the ability to compose in different “national styles”.
For example, his Italian songs have a very different feeling than his German songs. And let’s not forget the Hungarian Rhapsodies, which use gypsy melodies to conjure up images of Liszt’s Hungarian roots.
Here’s a short selection of Liszt’s famous pieces…
- Christus, S.3. Liszt’s huge Oratorio, depicting the entire life of Christ. He wrote this when he was in his religious phase (he received orders from the Roman Catholic Church).
- Dante Symphony, S.109. Liszt’s orchestral version of Dante Alighieri’s famous Divine Comedy. Liszt was particularly good at writing devilish music, and this symphony depicting hell is a perfect example.
- Années de Pélinerage (Years of Pilgrimage), S.160, S.161, S.162. Three collections of evocative piano music, inspired by the travels of Franz Liszt.
- Sonata in B Minor, S.178. Liszt’s masterpiece, and probably one of the most incredible piano pieces ever written. It’s a complex and powerful work, a spectacular showcase of what’s possible on the piano.
- Grand Galop Chromatique, S.219. This is basically a piece written to show off how good Liszt was at playing piano. He used to play it as an encore at the end of his concerts, to make the crowd go insane with excitement. It’s definitely very tricky to play – a perfect example of what Liszt was capable of when he just wanted to impress people with technical skill!
To finish, here’s Reminiscences de Don Juan, a long Franz Liszt piece built from themes of the Mozart opera Don Giovanni. Parts 1 and 2:
