Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1842 - 1859

Publication Date

:

1844 - 1859

Average_duration

:

2:07

"Comment, disaient-ils" (How, they said) is a piano piece composed by Franz Liszt in 1884. It is part of a collection of three pieces titled "Trois morceaux en forme de poire" (Three pieces in the form of a pear). The premiere of the piece was given by Liszt's student, August Stradal, in Weimar in 1885. The piece is divided into two movements. The first movement is marked "Andantino" and is in the key of F-sharp minor. It begins with a melancholic melody played in the right hand, accompanied by a simple arpeggiated figure in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, and the left hand becomes more active, playing a descending chromatic line. The middle section of the movement is marked "Più mosso" (more movement) and features a faster, more agitated melody in the right hand, while the left hand plays a driving rhythm. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played softly and with a sense of resignation. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is in the key of F-sharp major. It begins with a lively, playful melody in the right hand, accompanied by a syncopated rhythm in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with variations, and the left hand becomes more active, playing a more complex rhythm. The middle section of the movement is marked "Più mosso" and features a faster, more virtuosic melody in the right hand, while the left hand plays a driving rhythm. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played with even more energy and excitement. "Comment, disaient-ils" is a characteristic example of Liszt's late style, which is characterized by a more introspective and restrained approach to composition. The piece is notable for its use of chromaticism and unconventional harmonies, as well as its use of contrasting moods and textures. The title of the piece is taken from a poem by Paul Verlaine, and Liszt's music is said to capture the melancholic and ironic tone of the poem. Overall, "Comment, disaient-ils" is a masterful example of Liszt's mature style, and a testament to his enduring influence on the piano repertoire.

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