Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1838 - 1839

Publication Date

:

1838

Average_duration

:

4:05

Franz Liszt's "Die Stadt (after Schubert, D. 957/11), S. 560/1" is a solo piano piece that was composed in the late 19th century. The piece is based on a song by Franz Schubert, which is part of his song cycle "Schwanengesang." Liszt's transcription of the song for piano is part of his larger collection of Schubert transcriptions, which he created as a tribute to the composer. The piece was composed in 1879 and premiered the same year in Weimar, Germany. It is part of a larger collection of Schubert transcriptions that Liszt created, which includes over 50 pieces. The collection was created as a tribute to Schubert, who Liszt considered to be one of the greatest composers of his time. "Die Stadt" is a single-movement piece that is characterized by its haunting and melancholic melody. The piece is marked by a slow and mournful tempo, which is meant to convey the sadness and despair of the lyrics of the original song. The piece is also marked by Liszt's virtuosic piano writing, which includes intricate runs and arpeggios that showcase the technical abilities of the performer. The piece begins with a simple and mournful melody that is played in the left hand of the piano. The right hand then enters with a series of arpeggios that build in intensity and complexity. The melody is then passed between the hands, with the left hand playing a simple accompaniment while the right hand plays the melody. The piece then builds to a climax, with the right hand playing a series of virtuosic runs and arpeggios that lead to a final, mournful chord. Overall, "Die Stadt" is a haunting and melancholic piece that showcases Liszt's virtuosic piano writing. The piece is a tribute to Schubert and his song cycle "Schwanengesang," and is a testament to the enduring legacy of both composers.

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