Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1848

Publication Date

:

1857 - 1858

Average_duration

:

10:30

Franz Liszt's Polonaise brillante (after von Weber: Op. 17), S. 367, is a virtuosic piano work that was composed in 1841. It is based on themes from Carl Maria von Weber's opera Euryanthe, and was premiered by Liszt himself in Paris in 1844. The Polonaise brillante is a single-movement work that is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythms, as well as its brilliant technical demands. The piece begins with a bold and majestic introduction, which leads into the main theme of the polonaise. This theme is based on a traditional Polish dance, and is characterized by its strong, dotted rhythms and its use of syncopation. Throughout the piece, Liszt employs a variety of virtuosic techniques, including rapid octave passages, arpeggios, and trills. He also incorporates a number of variations on the main theme, including a lyrical and expressive second theme, as well as a more playful and whimsical third theme. Despite its technical demands, the Polonaise brillante is also notable for its musical depth and emotional range. Liszt infuses the piece with a sense of drama and intensity, particularly in the more dramatic and virtuosic passages. At the same time, he also incorporates moments of lyricism and tenderness, which provide a welcome contrast to the more bombastic sections of the piece. Overall, the Polonaise brillante is a masterful example of Liszt's virtuosic piano writing, and remains a popular and challenging work for pianists today.

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