Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1860

Publication Date

:

1866

First Performance

:

Aug 3, 1861

Average_duration

:

23:37

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Franz Liszt's 'Episoden aus Lenau's Faust (2), for orchestra, S. 110' is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1857-1861. It was premiered in Weimar on September 7, 1862, under the direction of Liszt himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different episode from Lenau's Faust. The first movement, titled "Der nächtliche Zug" (The Night Procession), is a dark and brooding piece that depicts a procession of demons and witches. The music is full of dissonant harmonies and eerie melodies, creating a sense of unease and foreboding. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before fading away into the darkness. The second movement, "Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke" (The Dance in the Village Inn), is a lively and energetic piece that captures the joy and excitement of a village dance. The music is full of lively rhythms and catchy melodies, with the orchestra evoking the sounds of fiddles and other folk instruments. The movement ends with a raucous and joyful finale. The final movement, "Mitternachtszauber" (Midnight Magic), is a haunting and mystical piece that depicts Faust's encounter with the spirit of Helena. The music is full of shimmering strings and ethereal woodwinds, creating a sense of otherworldly beauty. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into the night. Overall, 'Episoden aus Lenau's Faust (2), for orchestra, S. 110' is a masterful work that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through music. The piece is full of contrasts, moving from darkness to light, from chaos to order, and from earthly pleasures to spiritual transcendence. It is a true masterpiece of the Romantic era and a testament to Liszt's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time.

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