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Here we first discuss Franz Liszt's compositional style in general and then alphabetically by genre. Finally, two charts contain selected compositions listed by genre and Searle (S) number respectively. Products relating to the compositions (sheet music, CD's) can be found in the products section. | |
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Compositions: Liszt composed numerous works in a variety of genres. The large number of compositions helps explain why many are not as well known as they should be. Generally, Liszt's compositions are known for their virtuosity and technical innovations, but later in his life, this virtuosity was substituted for harmonic exploration, even atonality. Because of this fact, some have argued that Liszt is the father of modern music. During this later period, the works are usually divided into three categories: retrospection, despair, and death. The "forgotten" (oubliée) compositions, compositions with topics related to despair and melancholy, and elegiac or funereal compositions mark these categories respectively. Liszt was at least partially aware of this categorization when he addressed his "compositions of death" as "mortuary pieces." In discussions of musical form, Liszt is the figure associated with "thematic transformation," a technique in which variations of a motivic or thematic idea lend unity and drama to a musical composition. Liszt is most noted for his piano music. Some of his compositions were often revised and exist in multiple versions. Liszt's piano etudes, like those of Chopin, were not only highly virtuosic, but also suitable for the concert stage. Schumann once said of the etudes of Liszt that they are ""studies in storm and dread designed to be performed by, at most, ten or twelve players in the world." Also to be noted are his piano transcriptions; some operatic, some symphonic, and others based on items such as Paganini caprices and Schubert songs. His performances of these transcriptions not only served to demonstrate his masterful piano technique, but also to expose audience members to a wider range of compositions. He is credited for originating one style of composition in particular, the symphonic poem (even though César Franck wrote symphonic poems first). These single-movement works are based on literary works or character sketches by figures such as Goethe, Dante, Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, and Lamartine. They were quite successful and only criticized by advocates of absolute music like Brahms and Eduard Hanslick. Selected Compositions by Genre/Name - Gives Information for Compositions (Click to Expand/Contract Information)
Selected Compositions by Searle (S) Number
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Franz Liszt (1811-1886)