The Music of Liszt

Humphrey Searle

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN: 9780486487939
• eBook ISBN: 9780486786407
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Classical Music

Virtuoso pianist Franz Liszt was a key figure in the evolution of modern music. Most of his 700 compositions, which range from romantic impressionism to daring experimental pieces, were written for the piano. This survey by a well-known British composer and musicologist constitutes the most authoritative English-language study of Liszt's works. "Mr. Searle is himself a composer of progressive outlook and he thus speaks with authority. His book was needed and he has made it a good one," observed the Times (London) Literary Supplement.
This classic study surveys the compositions in chronological order and the medium for which they were written. The author examines in detail the most important pieces and fully reviews Liszt's place in history. Subjects include romantic pieces, symphonic poems, songs, symphonies, and other works. A biographical summary illustrates the relationship between significant works and events in the composer's life. Acclaimed by Library Journal as "a balanced, long-overdue treatment," this study is essential for every true Lisztian student.

CATALOGUE OF WORKS

THIS CATALOGUE attempts to include all Liszt’s works, except for some short pieces written for private albums and not so far published; the numbering corresponds with that of the catalogue prepared by the author for the Fifth Edition of “Grove’s Dictionary of Music” (by kind permission of the Editor), and readers are referred to the latter for further information about the works. A good deal of useful information may also be found in the catalogue in the second volume of Peter Raabe’s “Franz Liszt” (Stuttgart, 1931). Each work is followed by the date of composition, or, if this is unknown, of publication; in addition, a Roman followed by an Arabic numeral (thus 11,2) indicates the section and volume of the Breitkopf Collected Edition in which the work is published. Works published by the Liszt Society (Schott & Co., London) are indicated by L.S.I, II, etc.

A. ORIGINAL WORKS

1. OPERA

1. Don Sanche, ou Le Château d’Amour. Opéra en un acte. 1824-5.

2. SACRED CHORAL WORKS

2. The Legend of St. Elisabeth. Oratorio on words of Otto Roquette. 1857-62.

3. Christus. Oratorio on texts from the Holy Scripture and the Catholic Liturgy. 1855-67.

I. Christmas Oratorio.

1. Introduction. 2. Pastorale and Annunciation. 3. Stabat mater speciosa. 4. Shepherds’ song at the manger. 5. The Three Holy Kings (March).

II. After Epiphany.

6. The Beatitudes. 7. Pater noster. 8. The Foundation of the Church. 9. The Miracle. 10. The Entry into Jerusalem.

III. Passion and Resurrection.

11. Tristis est anima mea. 12. Stabat mater dolorosa. 13. O filii et filiae. 14. Resurrexit.

4. Cantico del sol di Francesco d’Assisi. (Bar. solo, male chorus, orch. and organ. 1862; rev. 1880-1. V, 5.

5. Die heilige Cäcilia. Legende. M-S solo, chorus and orch. 1874.

6. Die Glocken des Strassburger Münsters (Longfellow). M-S, Bar. soli, chorus and orch. 1874.

1. Vorspiel; Excelsior.

2. Die Glocken.

7. Cantantibus organis. Antifonia per la festa di Sta. Cecilia. Solo, chorus and orch. 1879. V, 5.

8. Missa quattuor vocum ad aequales concinente organo. Male chorus and organ. 1st version 1848; 2nd version 1869. V, 3

9. Missa solennis zur Einweihung der Basilika in Gran (Gran Mass). SATB soli, chorus and orch. 1855;rev.857-8.

10. Missa choralis, organo concinente. Mixed chorus and organ. 1865. V, 3

11. Hungarian Coronation Mass. SATB soli, chorus and orch. 1867 (Graduale 1869). Cf. 15a.

12. Requiem. TTBB soli, male chorus, organ and brass. 1867-8; “Libera me.” 1871. V, 3

13. Psalm 13. “Lord, how long?” T solo, chorus and orch. 1855, rev. 1859.

14. Psalm 18. “Coeli enarrant.” Male chorus and orch. 1860.

15. Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd.” T or S solo, harp, organ; also with male chorus ad lib. 1859; rev. 1862.

15a. Psalm 116 . “Laudate Dominum.” Male chorus and pf. 1869; cf. 11.

16. Psalm 129. “De Profundis.” Bar. solo, male chorus and organ; or B (or A) and pf. 1881.

17. Psalm 137. “By the waters of Babylon.” S solo, women’s chorus, solo violin, harp and organ. 1859; rev. 1862.

18. Five choruses with French texts. (In the 1840s.)

1. Qui m’a donné. 2. L’Éternel est son nom (Racine).

3. Chantons, chantons l’aute...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Preface To The Second Edition
• Preface To The First Edition
• Contents
• I. The Early Works (1822-39)
• II. The Virtuoso Period (1839-47)
• III. The Weimar Years (1848-61)
• IV
• Biographical Survey
• Catalogue of Works
• Bibliography
• Index of Works Mentioned
• Index of Names