Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1843 - 1845

Publication Date

:

1846

Average_duration

:

19:12

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Franz Liszt's 'Petrarch Sonnets I (3), S.158' is a set of three songs for solo piano, composed in 1846. The set is based on three sonnets by the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, who lived in the 14th century. The sonnets are part of a larger collection of 366 poems, known as the 'Canzoniere', which is considered one of the most important works of Italian literature. The first movement of the set, 'Sonetto 47 del Petrarca', is a lyrical and expressive piece, with a flowing melody and delicate arpeggios. The piece is marked 'Andante con moto', and is characterized by its use of rubato, or flexible tempo. The melody is based on the first line of the sonnet, which reads "Benedetto sia 'l giorno, e 'l mese, e l'anno". The piece builds to a climax in the middle section, before returning to the opening theme. The second movement, 'Sonetto 104 del Petrarca', is a more dramatic and virtuosic piece, marked 'Allegro agitato assai'. The piece is characterized by its use of octaves and rapid arpeggios, which create a sense of urgency and intensity. The melody is based on the first line of the sonnet, which reads "Pace non trovo, e non ho da far guerra". The piece builds to a frenzied climax, before ending with a quiet coda. The third movement, 'Sonetto 123 del Petrarca', is a gentle and introspective piece, marked 'Lento placido'. The piece is characterized by its use of delicate arpeggios and subtle shifts in harmony. The melody is based on the first line of the sonnet, which reads "I' vidi in terra angelici costumi". The piece builds to a climax in the middle section, before returning to the opening theme. Overall, Liszt's 'Petrarch Sonnets I (3), S.158' is a masterful set of piano pieces, which showcase his virtuosity and sensitivity as a composer. The set premiered in 1846, and has since become a staple of the piano repertoire.

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