Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1863

Publication Date

:

1866

First Performance

:

Oct 29, 1865

Average_duration

:

18:25

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Franz Liszt's 'Légendes (2), for piano, S.175' is a set of two pieces composed in 1863. The premiere of the work took place in Weimar, Germany, in the same year. The two movements of the piece are titled "St. Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds" and "St. Francis of Paola walking on the waves." The first movement, "St. Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds," is a delicate and lyrical piece that captures the peacefulness of nature. The piece begins with a gentle melody that is reminiscent of birdsong. The melody is then developed and expanded upon, with Liszt using a variety of techniques to create a sense of movement and progression. The piece reaches a climax with a powerful chord progression before returning to the gentle opening melody. The second movement, "St. Francis of Paola walking on the waves," is a more dramatic and virtuosic piece. The piece begins with a fast and energetic melody that is reminiscent of the waves crashing against the shore. Liszt uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of movement and turbulence, with the melody rising and falling like the waves. The piece reaches a climax with a series of fast and complex runs before returning to the opening melody. Overall, 'Légendes (2), for piano, S.175' is a beautiful and evocative piece that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and pianist. The two movements are very different in character, with the first being peaceful and lyrical and the second being dramatic and virtuosic. However, both movements are united by Liszt's use of melody and his ability to create a sense of movement and progression.

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