Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

:

1874 - 1875

Publication Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

3:04

"Excelsior! Preludio zu dem Glocken des Strassburger Münsters, S. 666" is a composition by Franz Liszt, a Hungarian composer, pianist, and conductor. It was composed in 1883 and premiered on October 31, 1884, in Strasbourg, France. The composition is a prelude to the bells of the Strasbourg Cathedral, which is one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. The composition is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Allegro deciso" and is characterized by its energetic and lively tempo. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is more subdued and contemplative. The third movement is marked "Allegro" and is a return to the energetic and lively tempo of the first movement. The composition is known for its use of programmatic elements, which means that it tells a story or depicts a scene through music. In this case, the composition tells the story of a young man who sets out on a journey to reach the summit of a mountain, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence and the human desire to achieve greatness. The first movement represents the young man's journey up the mountain, with its energetic and lively tempo representing his determination and drive. The second movement represents the young man's contemplation and reflection as he reaches the halfway point of his journey. The third movement represents the young man's final push to reach the summit, with its return to the energetic and lively tempo of the first movement. Overall, "Excelsior! Preludio zu dem Glocken des Strassburger Münsters, S. 666" is a powerful and evocative composition that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and his ability to tell a story through music. Its use of programmatic elements and its energetic and lively tempo make it a popular piece among both performers and audiences alike.

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