Liszt Consolations

Liszt's Consolations (Penseés poétiques), S.172, is a set of six short pieces composed for solo piano, circa 1844-1849. Subsequently, versions of some of the pieces were arranged for cello/piano and for organ (or harmonium).

Consolation Number 1 (andante con moto, in E Major) is a calm, simple piece that leads directly to the second piece. Number 2 (un poco piu mosso, in E Major) has a gentle, floating melody framed by delicate runs infused with golden, comforting harmonies. Number 3 (lento placido, in D-Flat Major) is a concert favorite, sounding much like a Chopin nocturne, and possessing a rare beauty made of hope and echoes of rippling nostalgia. Number 4 (cantabile con devozione, in D-flat Major) has a very calm melody. Number 5 (andante con grazia, in E Major) has a song-like characteristic with a wonderful simple theme. Number 6 (allegretto sempre cantabile, in E Major) is a piece with sweet harmonies, capricious melody, a grand cadenza, and a coda that echoes the first movement.

Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886) was a Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher. During the 19th century he was famous throughout Europe for his great skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age and perhaps the greatest pianist of all time.

Liszt composed an extensive and diverse body of works, which influenced subsequent composers such as Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin.

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