Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1852

Publication Date

:

1853

Average_duration

:

8:47

"Elsas Brautzug zum Münster, S. 445/2" is a symphonic poem composed by Franz Liszt in 1857. It is the second movement of his "Two Episodes from Lenau's Faust" and is based on a scene from Goethe's "Faust". The piece premiered on August 2, 1857, in Weimar, Germany. The piece is divided into three sections, each representing a different aspect of the story. The first section is a slow and somber introduction, representing the procession of Elsa's bridal party as they make their way to the cathedral. The second section is a lively and joyful dance, representing the celebration of the wedding. The third section is a dramatic and intense finale, representing the tragic end of the story. Liszt's use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy in this piece. He employs a wide range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, to create a rich and varied sound. The use of the harp and the celesta in particular adds a magical and ethereal quality to the music. The piece also showcases Liszt's skill as a composer of program music. The music is closely tied to the story, with each section representing a specific moment or emotion. The slow and mournful introduction sets the tone for the tragic events to come, while the lively dance captures the joy and excitement of the wedding celebration. The dramatic finale, with its powerful brass and percussion, conveys the sense of impending doom and tragedy. Overall, "Elsas Brautzug zum Münster, S. 445/2" is a masterful example of Liszt's skill as a composer of program music. Its rich orchestration, vivid storytelling, and emotional depth make it a powerful and enduring work of art.

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