Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1851 - 1854

Publication Date

:

1857

First Performance

:

Apr 16, 1854

Average_duration

:

16:39

Franz Liszt's "Mazeppa" is a symphonic poem for orchestra, S. 100, composed in 1851. It premiered on February 16, 1854, in Weimar, Germany, under the direction of Liszt himself. The piece is based on a poem by Victor Hugo, which tells the story of Ivan Mazeppa, a Ukrainian nobleman who was tied to a wild horse and left to die in the wilderness. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story. The first movement, "The Ride," begins with a galloping rhythm that represents the horse's wild ride through the wilderness. The music is intense and dramatic, with the orchestra building to a frenzied climax before finally coming to a sudden stop. The second movement, "The Battle," is more subdued, with a mournful melody that represents the aftermath of the battle between Mazeppa's forces and those of the Russian Tsar. The music is somber and reflective, with the orchestra using a variety of instruments to create a sense of sadness and loss. The third movement, "The Love Scene," is the most romantic of the four, with a lush, sweeping melody that represents Mazeppa's love for Maria, the daughter of a Polish nobleman. The music is tender and passionate, with the orchestra using a variety of instruments to create a sense of intimacy and longing. The final movement, "The Death of Mazeppa," is the most dramatic of the four, with a powerful, driving rhythm that represents Mazeppa's final moments. The music is intense and emotional, with the orchestra building to a climactic finale that represents Mazeppa's death. Overall, "Mazeppa" is a powerful and emotional piece of music that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its intense, dramatic melodies, its use of a variety of instruments to create different moods and emotions, and its ability to tell a compelling story through music.

More....