Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

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1848 - 1855

Publication Date

:

1855

Average_duration

:

13:50

Vallée d'Obermann, S. 160/6 is a solo piano piece composed by Franz Liszt in 1848. It is the sixth piece in his Années de pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage) suite, which is a collection of three suites that Liszt composed during his travels throughout Europe. The suite is divided into three books, and Vallée d'Obermann is the first piece in the second book. The piece is named after the protagonist of Étienne Pivert de Senancour's novel Obermann, which Liszt had read and was deeply moved by. The piece is a musical representation of the character's emotional turmoil and existential crisis. It is a highly expressive and virtuosic work that showcases Liszt's innovative approach to piano writing. Vallée d'Obermann is in a modified sonata form, with an introduction, exposition, development, and recapitulation. The piece is in the key of E-flat major and is marked "Lento, placido." The introduction sets the mood for the piece with a series of arpeggios and a descending melody that creates a sense of melancholy and introspection. The exposition begins with a lyrical melody that is repeated and developed throughout the piece. The melody is accompanied by a series of arpeggios and broken chords that create a sense of movement and tension. The development section is marked by a series of virtuosic passages that showcase Liszt's technical prowess. The recapitulation brings back the main theme and ends with a coda that is marked "più lento" and brings the piece to a quiet and introspective close. Vallée d'Obermann is a highly emotional and introspective work that reflects Liszt's own struggles with identity and purpose. It is a landmark work in the Romantic piano repertoire and has been performed and recorded by many of the world's greatest pianists.

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