As the owner of a famous European concert hall, I wish for Franz Liszt to perform. To have a sell-out crowd, I believe his work Les préludes would be most appealing.
Franz Liszt is known as a virtuoso, a master of technique and artistry. Loved and promoted by many famous personalities, not only would Liszt's fans attend his concert, but the fans of his fans would attend as well. Richard Wagner, for example, stated: “When I compose and orchestrate, I always think only of [Liszt]” (Kamien 238).
The piece for him to perform, Les préludes, is one of his first symphonic poems – a breakthrough form of music invented by Liszt himself that helped establish the genre of orchestral program music (Symphonic). The symphonic poem is based on an Ode by Alphonse de Lamartine, a writer, poet, and politician. Similar to how Wagner's fans will attend a concert by Liszt, the fans of Lamartine will as well, including the politically active who may otherwise not be so inclined to attend a musical event.
The piece starts out with string instruments and soothing dynamics. It builds up to a louder, faster song of grandeur. Throughout, the song goes back and forth between calming and demanding. Come seven and a half minutes in, the song becomes frantic. A story is clearly being told, and very distinct emotions are evoked by the piece. The resolution around 9:10 emphasizes the reach of Liszt's tone painting abilities. The variety of dynamics, instruments, and tempo make for a sense-fulfilling experience, even without a lavish opera-esque performance. Such a popular work by such a talented musician would surely sell out the entire concert hall.
- Charles Stover, 24 April 2011
Works Cited
Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation, Sixth Brief Edition. McGraw-Hill, 2007. 236-8. Print.
“Symphonic poems (Liszt).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 25 February 2011. Web. 23 April 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonic_poems_(Liszt)>