Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1863

Publication Date

:

1866

Average_duration

:

8:38

Franz Liszt's 'St François de Paule marchant sur les flots, S. 175/2' is a symphonic poem for piano and orchestra. It was composed in 1862 and premiered in Weimar, Germany on August 2, 1863. The piece is inspired by the legend of Saint Francis of Paola, who was said to have walked on water in front of the King of Naples. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Andante marziale," begins with a solemn introduction in the low strings and brass, which is followed by a march-like theme in the piano. The theme is then taken up by the orchestra, and the music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The second movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a scherzo-like section that depicts the waves of the sea. The piano and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the piano imitating the sound of the waves and the orchestra responding with crashing cymbals and timpani. The final movement, marked "Andante religioso," is a hymn-like section that represents the miracle of Saint Francis walking on water. The piano plays a simple, chant-like melody, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The music builds to a climax, with the piano and orchestra playing in unison, before subsiding into a quiet coda. The piece is characterized by Liszt's virtuosic piano writing, which is both technically demanding and expressive. The orchestration is also notable, with Liszt using the full range of the orchestra to create a vivid musical depiction of the sea and the miracle of Saint Francis. Overall, 'St François de Paule marchant sur les flots' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and pianist. Its dramatic and colorful music has made it a popular piece in the orchestral repertoire.

More....