Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

1841 - 1842

Publication Date

:

1842

First Performance

:

Mar 4, 1874

Average_duration

:

14:55

Franz Liszt's 'Fantasie sur des motifs favoris de La Sonnambula' is a piano work that was composed in three different versions. The first version was composed in 1839, the second in 1852, and the third in 1853. The work is based on themes from Vincenzo Bellini's opera 'La Sonnambula'. The premiere of the first version of the work was given by Liszt himself in Paris in 1839. The second version was premiered in Weimar in 1852, and the third version was premiered in Berlin in 1853. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a different theme from 'La Sonnambula'. The first movement is a transcription of the opera's overture, while the second movement is based on the aria 'Ah! non credea mirarti'. The third movement is based on the duet 'Son geloso del zefiro errante', and the fourth movement is based on the aria 'Ah! perche non posso odiarti'. The fifth movement is based on the duet 'Prendi, l'anel ti dono', and the final movement is a transcription of the opera's finale. The work is characterized by Liszt's virtuosic piano writing, which showcases his technical prowess as a pianist. The work also demonstrates Liszt's ability to transform operatic themes into virtuosic piano music. The work is notable for its use of thematic transformation, a technique that Liszt pioneered and used extensively in his compositions. Overall, 'Fantasie sur des motifs favoris de La Sonnambula' is a significant work in Liszt's oeuvre, demonstrating his mastery of the piano and his ability to transform operatic themes into virtuosic piano music.

More....