Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Waltz

Compose Date

:

1863

Publication Date

:

1866

Average_duration

:

4:02

Franz Liszt's 'Valse des Sylphes de La Damnation of Faust (after Berlioz), S. 475' is a piano transcription of Hector Berlioz's 'La Damnation de Faust', a dramatic cantata. Liszt composed this piece in 1846, and it premiered in the same year. The 'Valse des Sylphes' is the second movement of the transcription, and it is a waltz that depicts the dance of the sylphs. The piece begins with a light and delicate melody played by the right hand, accompanied by a simple waltz rhythm in the left hand. The melody is then passed to the left hand, while the right hand plays a more elaborate accompaniment. The waltz rhythm becomes more complex as the piece progresses, with Liszt adding trills and arpeggios to create a sense of swirling motion. The 'Valse des Sylphes' is characterized by its lightness and delicacy, which reflects the ethereal nature of the sylphs. Liszt's use of arpeggios and trills creates a sense of fluttering and floating, which further emphasizes the otherworldly quality of the piece. The waltz rhythm gives the piece a sense of movement and momentum, which builds towards a climax before subsiding into a gentle coda. Overall, Liszt's 'Valse des Sylphes de La Damnation of Faust' is a masterful transcription that captures the essence of Berlioz's original work while showcasing Liszt's virtuosic piano writing. The 'Valse des Sylphes' is a standout movement that highlights Liszt's ability to create delicate and ethereal music that transports the listener to another world.

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