Suzana Bartal, Piano Solo

Introduction:

Années de Pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage) by Franz Liszt is a monumental collection of piano pieces that captures the essence of Romanticism. Spanning three volumes, the work reflects Liszt’s deep personal and artistic journey through the landscapes, art, and literature of Europe. Each piece in the collection is a vivid musical painting, infused with the sights and emotions Liszt experienced during his travels in Switzerland and Italy.

The first volume, “Switzerland,” evokes the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, with pieces like “Vallée d’Obermann” expressing profound introspection.

The second volume, “Italy,” draws inspiration from the art and poetry of the Italian Renaissance, with works such as “Petrarch Sonnets” and “Dante Sonata” exploring themes of love, spirituality, and existential struggle.

The third volume, composed later in Liszt’s life, reflects his evolving spirituality and the trials of his later years.

Années de Pèlerinage is not merely a travelogue in music; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, where the landscapes of the physical world mirror the landscapes of the soul. The work remains one of Liszt’s most personal and enduring contributions to the piano repertoire, showcasing his virtuosic brilliance and deep philosophical musings. Through these pieces, Liszt invites listeners on a pilgrimage of their own, exploring the depths of emotion and the transcendent power of art.

Première Année de Pèlerinage: Suisse, S.160 (1855)

Les cloches de Genève: Nocturne, in B major

Orage, in C minor

Vallée d’Obermann, in E minor

Deuxième Année de Pèlerinage: Italie, S.161 (1858)

Sposalizio, in E major

Après une lecture du Dante, in D minor

Troisième Année de Pèlerinage, S.163 (1883)

Les jeux d’eaux à la Villa d’Este, in F# major