Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1885

Average_duration

:

2:57

Franz Liszt's "Mephisto Waltz No. 4" is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1885. It was premiered in the same year in Budapest, Hungary. The piece is part of a set of four waltzes that were inspired by the character of Mephistopheles from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust." The "Mephisto Waltz No. 4" is divided into two main sections, with a slower, more lyrical introduction followed by a fast and virtuosic waltz. The piece is characterized by its use of chromaticism, which creates a sense of tension and unease throughout the piece. The waltz section is particularly notable for its use of syncopation and irregular rhythms, which give the piece a sense of unpredictability and playfulness. One of the most striking features of the "Mephisto Waltz No. 4" is its use of programmatic elements. The piece is meant to evoke the character of Mephistopheles, a devilish figure who tempts Faust into making a deal with the devil. Liszt uses musical motifs and techniques to create a sense of diabolical mischief and seduction, with the waltz section in particular evoking a sense of frenzied dance and temptation. Overall, the "Mephisto Waltz No. 4" is a virtuosic and dramatic piece that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and pianist. Its use of programmatic elements and chromaticism make it a particularly interesting and engaging piece to listen to, and it remains a popular work in the piano repertoire to this day.

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