Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 and Chopin's Polonaise in A-Flat (revolutionary) are probably the two most famous piano solo compositions ever.
Wikipedia sources say: Liszt wrote his famous (to some degree infamous) Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in 1847; Liszt retired from the concert stage around the same time and decided to devote himself full-time to composition. Liszt's rhapsodic style is very much akin to his creation; the symphonic poem which Liszt created is itself a form of rhapsodic writing. The same melodies appearing and reappearing (cyclical writing) in different keys, modes, and sections of the composition. Same melodies recycled and sounding different to the naked ear, but in fact being the same.
The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 is in two sections. A musicologist might say: slow-fast, minor-major, or something to this effect. The first section of this composition is in C-sharp minor, and it's a bit slow. A slow Hungarian march (funeral) starts it of. The composition which starts very serious, soon becomes quite silly at that. All followers of Liszt: Saint-Saens, Mahler, Strauss, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, etc., etc., do this in their compositions. Liszt created this system to show how sad, slow, and serious music can be changed to sound silly and even ridiculous when notes are changed around and/or played faster.
The second part is very difficult (not that the first part isn't) for even the most accomplished pianist, not to mention fast. When Liszt composed the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 he was still developing the symphonic poem, although this second section shows traces of his cyclical system. As the composition progresses things become more intense and difficult on the performer.
Unlike the rumors which abound this work; Bugs Bunny wasn't the one who made it famous. This work was famous 100 years before Bugs Bunny. This work can either "make or break" a pianist. Although there are many fine pianists out there which don't perform or really care for Liszt, most have come across the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 at one point or another during their lives.
Few piano pieces can match this on in terms of fame.
Published by John Sarkis
I've written articles, a few short stories, and I'm currently working on a novella. I've also written 2 symphonies, and a handful of piano compositions. View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentI'd love to hear your thoughts on what makes the piece difficult for the pianist and what you think the music express... or can be made to express with different playing styles. It'd make a fascinating read, I think, especially since you're a composer.