Reading Franz Liszt: Revealing the Poetry behind the Piano Music

Pianist Paul Roberts explores Franz Liszt's use of literary quotations in his scores, revealing the sources of his creative imagination and the emotional and dramatic power of his music. He shows how Liszt created a new concept of musical expression comparable to the opera and novel, and how his literary inspiration is relevant for todays listeners and performers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Pianist Paul Roberts reimagines Franz Liszt as a composer of poetic feeling rather than just a purveyor of technical brilliance. In his book, "Reading Franz Liszt: Revealing the Poetry behind the Piano Music," Roberts delves into Liszt's world, exploring his most beloved pieces and the literature that inspired them. From Petrarch's love poetry to the sensibilities of Byron, Sénancour, Goethe, and others, Liszt's music is infused with the essence of literary inspiration.

The origins of artistic inspiration can be enigmatic, but for Franz Liszt, literary quotations in his scores offer fascinating insights into the sources of his creative imagination. Roberts demonstrates how Liszt in his pioneering piano works created a new concept of musical expression, comparable to the emotional and dramatic power of opera and novel. This book takes readers into the heart of Liszt's poetic world, revealing the relevance of his literary inspiration for contemporary listeners as well as performers grappling with its expressive demands.

By examining the literary influences behind Liszt's music, Roberts sheds light on the composer's profound understanding of the human condition and his ability to convey emotions through his compositions. Liszt's music is not just a display of technical prowess; it is a tapestry of poetic feeling that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Roberts provides a fresh perspective on Liszt's legacy, making his music accessible and relevant to a new generation of musicians and enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Reading Franz Liszt: Revealing the Poetry behind the Piano Music" is a must-read for anyone interested in classical music, music history, or the power of literature to inspire artistic expression. Paul Roberts' book offers a deep dive into Liszt's world, revealing the poetry that lies beneath his piano music and illuminating the enduring relevance of his creative genius.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538143346