The Underrated Genius of Liszt's Harmony

Consolation No. 1 (S.172) is in E major—a key Franz Liszt often reserved for spiritual or religious themes. This likely contributes to its almost chorale-like structure, where the melodic line is sparse and understated, allowing rich chordal textures and subtle harmonic shifts to take center stage.

Liszt’s signature technique of harmonizing a single note shines beautifully here, as he explores modern, forward-thinking voicings with remarkable delicacy. Particularly striking is his use of minor 11th chords and their various voicings, as well as his creative approach to chord inversions. These inversions act as bridges between traditional functional harmony and a more color-driven, expressive harmonic language.

“One could rightly say that Liszt invents chords and harmonic connections by completely overturning the classical hierarchical order, while limiting himself to using melodic material provided by tradition. The science of harmony has reached its end—what’s needed now is the interpretation of harmony, understood as the critical evaluation of concrete musical situations.” (De La Motte - Harmonielehre)

🎵 Performed by: Lilya Zilberstein
℗ 1996 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

📍 Piece: Consolation No. 1 in E Major, S.172 – Franz Liszt

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[Bonnie-zjk]

This is magical. Made with an extraordinary amount of passion and love and dedication . ❤