A masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Popular classical music.

Reading Dante: Sonata-FantasiaFranz Liszt

Vitaly Pisarenko plays Liszt – Après une lecture du Dante – Fantasia quasi sonata, S161/7

Inspired by depictions of hell in literary works, Franz Liszt’s grand masterpiece is perfect when you want to create a Halloween atmosphere that’s not just scary but profoundly evocative.

From the very beginning, the dissonance known as the “Devil’s interval” resounds, instantly dragging listeners into an unsettling world.

Records show that the work’s prototype was performed in Vienna in November 1839; it was later revised and included in the album Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année: Italie.

Famous interpretations by Alfred Brendel and Georges Cziffra are well known.

As a piano piece it is extremely challenging, and the key is to bring out the dramatic contrast between infernal torment and heavenly redemption.

Aim to express a grand, story-like world.

Totentanz, S.126/R.457Franz Liszt

Valentina Lisitsa – John Axelrod – Liszt Totentanz for Piano & Orchestra

A work for solo piano and orchestra that incorporates the melody of the Gregorian chant Dies Irae (Day of Wrath).

It is said to have been inspired by the 14th-century fresco The Triumph of Death in a church in Pisa, Italy, resulting in a piece with a weighty and dramatic character.

Faust Symphony, S.108 / R.425Franz Liszt

Liszt: Faust Symphony

A choral symphony composed by Franz Liszt and premiered in 1857, it consists of three movements titled “Faust,” “Gretchen,” and “Mephistopheles.” Liszt was deeply captivated by Goethe’s Faust, which had been recommended to him by his friend, the composer Hector Berlioz—known for Symphonie fantastique—and he later produced multiple works based on this subject.

Symphonic Poem “Orpheus,” S.98 / R.415Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt – Orpheus, Symphonic Poem No. 4, S.98 / 리스트 – 오르페우스, 교향시 4번

It is said to have been composed under the strong impression made by an Etruscan vase seen at the Louvre, in the overture to Gluck’s opera Orfeo ed Euridice.

With its noble and graceful musical ideas, the occasional sound of the harp evokes the lyre whose tones Orpheus used to enchant the animals of the forest and even the trees.

Consolation (Solace) S.172/R.14Franz Liszt

Liszt: Six Consolations, S.172 (Zilberstein)

A collection of piano pieces consisting of six short works, characterized by an overall calm and refined musical idea.

Liszt dedicated this set, with gratitude, to Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Weimar, who showed understanding for a love that was not accepted by those around them.

Symphonic Poem “Ideals,” S.106 / R.423Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt – Die Ideale (Audio + Full Score)

A symphonic poem composed on the theme of Friedrich Schiller’s poem “The Ideal.” It was one of the pieces performed at the unveiling ceremony of statues of German poets, but its premiere sparked various episodes, including criticism from the audience and a rift with the violinist Joseph Joachim.

DedicationFranz Liszt

Schumann–Liszt “Widmung”

This Schumann–Liszt piece exemplifies a beautiful fusion of Romantic music.

Schumann dedicated the original song to his wife Clara in 1840, and Liszt, the “magician of the piano,” arranged it for solo piano in 1848.

While preserving the original’s emotional depth, he added pianistic virtuosity and profound expressiveness unique to the instrument.

The poetic lyrics, which sing of deep love and respect for a beloved, are rendered even more radiant through Liszt’s arrangement.

Widely cherished as a piano recital staple, this work is highly recommended for those who wish to savor the richness of Romantic-era music.