Lugansky - Liszt, Deuxième Année de Pèlerinage: Italie - Sposalizio

Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886)
Deuxième Année de Pèlerinage: Italie, S. 161 (1837-1849; pub. 1858)
No. 1 - Sposalizio, in E major
Nikolai Lugansky, 2012
from Sverdlovsk Philharmonic

[0:00] Andante
[2:44] Più lento
[5:14] Quasi Allegretto mosso
[7:00] Coda

“… Marked Andante and beginning in E major, Liszt’s musical portrayal of Raphael’s painting opens with a solitary melodic line descending in the bass—a graceful motif that takes on both a melodic and accompanimental role throughout the piece. Forming one half of the Sposalizio’s principal motif, this endearing melody is answered by a tender “sigh” in the treble. The first section builds on repetitions of the opening melodic line passing through a myriad of harmonies, depicting the joyous occasion of marriage. In the following section, somewhat slower in pace and modulating to G major, the solemnity of Raphael’s painting is brought to the fore. A new melody of hymn-like beauty is presented, intermixed at times with the melodic line from before. Returning to E major, the hymn-like melody grows in intensity and is transformed, not so much into a wedding march, but a simple expression of triumph and joy. Descending cascades of tones, based on a diminution of the principal melody, draw the piece to its peaceful close and Liszt concludes it with a touch of solemnity. “

- Joseph DuBose

[andreamyob]

every note is from the heart. Love this pianist!

[AnaPaula-nprq]

A good day starting with good music ♥️👏👍

[louisross]

A great exemple of Liszt's art. All the Virgin's feelings are in this piece : her deep love for Joseph, her modesty -certainly before the mystery of being not a virgin anymore - but mainly because of her actual thinking of how not to disappoint her husband and find the proper ways to his happiness. And her own happiness, that spreads over her soul like a waterfall...

[ershenlin]

I heard clipping 1:44-1:50. Is it my earphone's fault?