Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1877

Average_duration

:

7:34

Sunt lacrymae rerum (I), S. 162c is a solo piano piece composed by Franz Liszt in 1881. The title translates to "There are tears for things" and is taken from the Latin phrase "Sunt lacrymae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt" which means "There are tears for things and mortal things touch the mind". The piece is part of a larger collection of works called "Via Crucis" or "The Way of the Cross" which is a set of 14 pieces based on the Stations of the Cross. Sunt lacrymae rerum (I) is the first movement of the collection and is a somber and reflective piece. It begins with a slow and mournful melody in the left hand while the right hand plays a simple accompaniment. The melody is then repeated in the right hand while the left hand plays a more complex and expressive accompaniment. The piece gradually builds in intensity and complexity before returning to the original mournful melody. The piece premiered in 1881 in Rome, Italy and was performed by Liszt himself. It is known for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which were innovative techniques for the time. The piece also features Liszt's signature virtuosic piano writing, with fast runs and arpeggios throughout. Overall, Sunt lacrymae rerum (I) is a powerful and emotional piece that captures the somber mood of the Stations of the Cross. Its use of innovative techniques and virtuosic piano writing make it a significant work in Liszt's oeuvre.

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