Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1842

Publication Date

:

1884

Average_duration

:

3:02

Franz Liszt's 'Autrefois (Lyubila ya; I) (after Wielhorski), S. 577i' is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1879. The piece was premiered in the same year by the composer himself. It is part of a larger collection of pieces called 'Album d'un voyageur', which was inspired by Liszt's travels throughout Europe. 'Autrefois' is a single-movement piece that is characterized by its lyrical and expressive melodies. The piece is based on a Russian folk song called 'Lyubila ya', which was originally collected by the Polish composer Władysław Wielhorski. Liszt's arrangement of the song is notable for its use of chromaticism and unconventional harmonies, which give the piece a sense of emotional depth and complexity. The piece begins with a simple, melancholic melody that is played in the right hand. This melody is then repeated and developed throughout the piece, with the left hand providing a rich and varied accompaniment. The middle section of the piece features a more virtuosic and dramatic passage, which is characterized by its rapid arpeggios and cascading runs. This section gradually builds in intensity before returning to the original melody. Overall, 'Autrefois' is a beautiful and haunting piece that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and pianist. Its use of folk melodies and unconventional harmonies make it a unique and memorable addition to the piano repertoire.

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