Album insights
Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage" are among his most popular and significant works, containing some of the most poetic piano pieces of the 19th century. They embody key Romantic themes - wanderlust, the quest for beauty in landscapes, a connection with nature, merging music with literature and other cultural elements, as well as the exploration journey both externally (physical discovery) and internally (personal pilgrimage). These pieces draw inspiration from both visual and literary sources, showcasing Liszt's characteristic mix of vivid imagery and personal poetic expression.
During his Weimar period in the 1850s, where Liszt settled with his new partner Princess Carolyne von Sayn-Wittgenstein after retiring from his life as a touring piano virtuoso in 1847, most of the "Années de pèlerinage" are based on earlier material written during his time as a concert pianist on the road. The first book (Suisse) primarily revises his "Album d’un voyageur," focusing on Liszt's Switzerland journey with Marie d’Agoult in 1835–6. The second book records his subsequent trip to Italy. Additionally, the third book of "Années de pèlerinage," a much later work with distinct style and no early basis, also explores Italian themes.
Liszt's bond with Countess Marie d’Agoult, six years his senior and married with two young children, started in 1833. They struggled to keep their relationship hidden from Parisian society, to which they both belonged despite vastly different backgrounds. Following the tragic death of Marie's elder daughter Louise in 1834, they lived apart. The events of early 1835 - the emotional reunion and Marie's pregnancy - prompted their escape to Switzerland in June 1835 (their daughter Blandine was born in December). Their new life together posed great personal risks and sacrifices, leading to scandal in Paris. They spent sixteen months in Switzerland, during which a significant portion of "Album d’un voyageur" was composed, with nine pieces generated - two of which are new to the "Années de pèlerinage," while the remaining seven underwent revisions, varying in enhancements, deletions, embellishments, and recomposition.
"Chapelle de Guillaume Tell" pays tribute to the Swiss national hero, featuring the motto, "One for All - All for One." It starts with a hymn-like quality, progressing to a storm of octaves and powerful chords before transitioning back to a serene heroic motif over flowing arpeggios. "Au lac de Wallenstadt," the first of two water-themed pieces, is minimally altered from its version in "Album d’un voyageur" and originated shortly after Liszt and d’Agoult arrived in Switzerland. It evokes a melancholic harmony representing the surroundings and sentiments shared amid Lake Wallenstadt. The pastoral piece "Pastorale" precedes the second water study, "Au bord d’une source," maintaining a simple structure mirroring the modesty of nature. Liszt's skillful interplay with melodies and harmonies in these compositions reflect serenity and innocence.
"Eglogue" introduces echoes from Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, continuing the contrasting tones within the collection. It forms a sharp contrast to the intense nature of "Vallée d’Obermann," inspired by Senancour's novel set in Switzerland. Liszt masterfully integrates descending motifs and bold harmonies, culminating in an ethereal climactic passage. "Orage" vividly portrays an alpine storm, showcasing Liszt's pianistic and melodic style with fervor akin to his orchestral works. "Vallée d’Obermann" stands out as the most extensive piece in the cycle - a bold, harmonically complex work reflecting Liszt's emotional depth and thematic intricacy.
The Gounod paraphrases reveal Liszt's evolution in style and intention in handling operatic themes. Les Adieux from "Roméo et Juliette" showcases Liszt's mature period, skillfully intertwining motifs that evoke a sense of reflection and regret. Liszt's adept treatment of individual scenes in later years, as seen in "Faust" paraphrases, demonstrates his depth and focus on psychological character studies. "Faust" remains a standout with Liszt's nuanced treatment of Gounod's popular melodies, exemplifying virtuosity and transcending musical origins.
From elaborate operatic transcriptions to contemplative reflections of famous themes, Liszt's musical journey spans diverse landscapes, capturing the essence of each era and creative evolution throughout his illustrious career.