Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Ballade

Compose Date

:

1853

Publication Date

:

1854

Average_duration

:

14:26

Franz Liszt's Ballade No. 2 in B minor, S. 171, is a solo piano piece composed in 1853. It premiered in Weimar, Germany, on January 31, 1854, with Liszt himself performing. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Lento con gran espressione," begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left. The melody is then repeated with added embellishments and variations, showcasing Liszt's virtuosic piano technique. The middle section of the movement features a more agitated and dramatic theme, with rapid arpeggios and cascading runs in both hands. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, this time played with even greater expressiveness and intensity. The second movement, marked "Allegro non troppo," is a lively and energetic scherzo. It begins with a playful and syncopated theme in the right hand, accompanied by a driving bass line in the left. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and introspective theme, with delicate arpeggios and a more subdued dynamic. The scherzo theme returns, this time with added embellishments and variations, leading to a thrilling and virtuosic coda. The final movement, marked "Lento, quasi recitativo," is a somber and introspective adagio. It begins with a simple and mournful melody in the right hand, accompanied by a sparse and haunting chord progression in the left. The middle section of the movement features a more agitated and dramatic theme, with rapid arpeggios and cascading runs in both hands. The adagio theme returns, this time with added embellishments and variations, leading to a powerful and emotional climax. Overall, Liszt's Ballade No. 2 in B minor is a masterful display of his virtuosic piano technique and his ability to create complex and emotionally charged musical narratives. The piece is characterized by its haunting melodies, dramatic contrasts, and thrilling virtuosity, making it a staple of the piano repertoire.

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