Search - Franz Liszt, David Barela :: Harmonies poétiques et religieuses

The cycle of ten pieces known as Harmonies Poétiques et Religieuses was dedicated in 1853 to Liszt?s second companion, Princess Sayn-Wittgenstein. These pieces are based on poems by his friend, Alphonse de Lamartine, and the medieval chant of the Catholic Church. These mystical pieces are not the typical virtuoso piano compositions that one thinks of as music by Liszt. They are song-like; it?s as if Liszt is forcing the piano to sing. Playing these pieces conjures up images of Liszt, playing the piano in his study late at night, meditating and praying to his God. Liszt eventually took minor orders into the priesthood where he remained for the remainder of his life. David Barela, Pianist