Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1874

Publication Date

:

1875

Average_duration

:

15:25

Mazeppa, S. 594 (LW B38) is a symphonic poem composed by Franz Liszt in 1851. It is based on a poem by Victor Hugo, which tells the story of Ivan Mazeppa, a Ukrainian nobleman who was tied to a wild horse and left to die in the wilderness. The horse, however, carried him to safety, and Mazeppa went on to become a famous military leader. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story. The first movement, "The Ride," depicts Mazeppa's wild ride on the horse. It begins with a frenzied, galloping theme that gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a dramatic climax. The second movement, "The Battle," portrays Mazeppa's military exploits. It is a fast-paced, energetic movement that features a number of martial themes and driving rhythms. The third movement, "The Love Scene," is a more lyrical and romantic section that depicts Mazeppa's relationship with a young woman named Maria. It features a beautiful, soaring melody that is played by the strings and gradually builds in intensity. The final movement, "The Death of Mazeppa," is a somber and mournful section that depicts Mazeppa's eventual downfall. It begins with a slow, mournful theme that is played by the strings and gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful climax. Overall, Mazeppa is a highly dramatic and emotional piece that showcases Liszt's virtuosic piano writing and his ability to create vivid musical narratives. It is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a story in music.

More....