Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1857 - 1862

Publication Date

:

1869

First Performance

:

Aug 15, 1865

Average_duration

:

134:49

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

"Die Legende von der heilgen Elisabeth" (The Legend of St. Elizabeth) is a symphonic poem composed by Franz Liszt in 1862. It was premiered on October 15, 1865, in Weimar, Germany, under the direction of the composer himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The first movement, "The Castle of Wartburg," portrays the opulence and luxury of the castle where Elizabeth lived as a child. The music is grand and majestic, with sweeping melodies and rich harmonies. The second movement, "The Beggar's Friend," is more subdued and introspective. It tells the story of Elizabeth's devotion to the poor and her selfless acts of charity. The music is gentle and tender, with delicate melodies and a sense of compassion and empathy. The final movement, "The Miracle of the Roses," is the most dramatic and intense of the three. It depicts the miracle that occurred after Elizabeth was caught giving bread to the poor. When asked what she was carrying, she replied that it was roses. When her cloak was opened, it was indeed filled with roses. The music is powerful and triumphant, with soaring melodies and a sense of awe and wonder. Overall, "Die Legende von der heilgen Elisabeth" is a masterful work of program music that captures the spirit and essence of St. Elizabeth's life and legacy. It showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through music.

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