Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1873 - 1876

Publication Date

:

1882

Average_duration

:

40:23

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Weihnachtsbaum, S. 186 (LW A267) is a collection of twelve Christmas carols arranged for solo piano by Franz Liszt. The work was composed in 1874 and premiered in the same year in Budapest. The twelve carols included in Weihnachtsbaum are: 1. Old Provençal Christmas Song 2. In dulci jubilo 3. Adeste fideles 4. Die Hirten an der Krippe 5. Christus, der ist geboren 6. O heilige Nacht 7. Les anges dans nos campagnes 8. The Shepherds at the Manger 9. The Three Kings 10. Schlaf wohl, du Himmelsknabe du 11. Puer natus in Bethlehem 12. Weihnachtslied Each carol is given a unique treatment by Liszt, showcasing his virtuosic piano writing and harmonic innovations. The first carol, Old Provençal Christmas Song, is given a delicate and ethereal treatment, with the melody floating above a shimmering accompaniment. In dulci jubilo, one of the most famous Christmas carols, is given a lively and energetic treatment, with Liszt incorporating virtuosic runs and arpeggios into the arrangement. Adeste fideles, also known as O Come, All Ye Faithful, is given a grand and majestic treatment, with Liszt utilizing the full range of the piano to create a powerful and triumphant sound. Die Hirten an der Krippe, or The Shepherds at the Manger, is a gentle and peaceful arrangement, with Liszt using delicate arpeggios and soft dynamics to create a serene atmosphere. Christus, der ist geboren, or Christ is Born, is given a dramatic and intense treatment, with Liszt incorporating bold chords and sweeping arpeggios to create a sense of grandeur. O heilige Nacht, or O Holy Night, is given a tender and emotional treatment, with Liszt emphasizing the beauty and poignancy of the melody. Les anges dans nos campagnes, or Angels We Have Heard on High, is given a lively and joyful treatment, with Liszt incorporating playful rhythms and sparkling runs into the arrangement. The Shepherds at the Manger, another arrangement of the same carol, is given a more contemplative treatment, with Liszt emphasizing the peaceful and introspective aspects of the melody. The Three Kings, or Die Könige, is given a regal and majestic treatment, with Liszt utilizing bold chords and powerful rhythms to create a sense of grandeur and awe. Schlaf wohl, du Himmelsknabe du, or Sleep Well, Heavenly Child, is given a gentle and lullaby-like treatment, with Liszt using soft dynamics and delicate arpeggios to create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. Puer natus in Bethlehem, or A Boy is Born in Bethlehem, is given a dramatic and intense treatment, with Liszt incorporating bold chords and sweeping arpeggios to create a sense of grandeur and majesty. Weihnachtslied, or Christmas Song, is given a tender and emotional treatment, with Liszt emphasizing the beauty and poignancy of the melody. Overall, Weihnachtsbaum is a stunning showcase of Liszt's virtuosic piano writing and harmonic innovations, as well as his ability to create unique and powerful arrangements of well-known melodies. The work remains a beloved and popular addition to the Christmas piano repertoire.

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