Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

1846

Publication Date

:

1858

Average_duration

:

6:23

Franz Liszt's 'Sonetto del Petrarca No. 104, S. 161/5' is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1839. It is part of a larger collection of pieces called 'Années de pèlerinage' (Years of Pilgrimage), which was inspired by Liszt's travels throughout Europe. The collection is divided into three volumes, and 'Sonetto del Petrarca No. 104' is part of the second volume, which is subtitled 'Italie'. The piece is based on a sonnet by the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, who lived in the 14th century. The sonnet is a love poem, and Liszt's music captures the intense emotions expressed in the text. The piece is in the key of E major and is written in a slow, lyrical style. It is divided into three sections, or movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is marked "Agitato assai" (very agitated) and is characterized by rapid, arpeggiated figures in the right hand. This section represents the speaker's intense longing for his beloved. The second movement is marked "Andante" (moderately slow) and is more introspective. It features a simple, lyrical melody in the right hand, accompanied by a flowing, arpeggiated figure in the left hand. This section represents the speaker's contemplation of his love and his sorrow at being separated from his beloved. The third movement is marked "Allegro moderato" (moderately fast) and is the most dramatic of the three. It features a series of virtuosic runs and arpeggios in both hands, which represent the speaker's desperation and anguish. The movement builds to a climax before resolving into a quiet, introspective coda. Overall, 'Sonetto del Petrarca No. 104' is a deeply emotional and expressive piece of music. It showcases Liszt's virtuosic piano writing and his ability to capture the essence of a text in his music. The piece has been performed and recorded by many pianists over the years and remains a beloved part of the piano repertoire.

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