Composer

:

John McCabe

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

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Fantasy

Average_duration

:

12:05

Fantasy for Piano on a Theme of Liszt is a composition by British composer John McCabe. It was composed in 1979 and premiered on 17th October of the same year by pianist Philip Fowke at the Wigmore Hall in London. The piece is a tribute to the great Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and is based on his famous piano piece, the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. The Fantasy for Piano on a Theme of Liszt is a single-movement work that lasts around 15 minutes. It is a virtuosic piece that showcases the pianist's technical abilities, as well as their ability to convey the emotional depth of the music. The piece is characterized by its use of Liszt's original theme, which is transformed and developed throughout the work. The piece begins with a slow and mysterious introduction, which sets the mood for the rest of the work. The Liszt theme is then introduced, and the pianist begins to explore its various possibilities. The music is full of contrasts, with moments of intense drama followed by moments of quiet introspection. The middle section of the piece is particularly virtuosic, with the pianist performing a series of rapid arpeggios and runs. This section builds to a climax, before giving way to a more reflective section. The Liszt theme is then reintroduced, and the piece ends with a triumphant coda. Overall, the Fantasy for Piano on a Theme of Liszt is a challenging and rewarding work for the pianist. It requires a high level of technical skill, as well as a deep understanding of Liszt's music. The piece is a testament to McCabe's skill as a composer, and his ability to pay homage to one of the great composers of the past while creating something new and original.

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