This collection contains piano works based on compositions by Liszt originally written for various instruments. Liszt frequently revised his pieces, incorporating different expressive nuances, thus demonstrating his adaptability and the versatility of his artistic nature. The works reflect both serious and secular moods and reveal diverse facets of his creative output.
Liszt felt a particular affinity for the life stories of his patron saints. The two Légendes dedicated to Saint Francis are among his best-known works and were an important source of inspiration for him. Some of the compositions reference the Fioretti of Saint Francis; one example is the Cantico del Sol. Several versions of this work exist, including one for baritone and choir, while the rare piano version was only published later in the New Liszt Edition.
The San Francesco, originally conceived for organ, shares thematic connections with the Cantico del Sol, yet its interpretation remains enigmatic. During his time in Weimar, Liszt composed symphonic poems that significantly influenced the development of orchestral music. The Cantico, also written during this period, is closely related to From the Cradle to the Grave, another symphonic poem based on a drawing by Mihály Zichy.
Liszt devoted himself to arranging his works for organ, harmonium, and piano, and a selection of these arrangements is presented in this collection. Of particular note is Resignazione, which, as a piano piece, has been given a new interpretation. Other piano arrangements are based on songs by Liszt and enrich his repertoire, including Il m’aimait tant and Ô pourquoi donc.
The Nonnenwerth Abbey inspired Liszt to create several versions of a song about the Rhine island. A piano arrangement of this song, imbued with nostalgia and memory, forms the expressive conclusion to this collection.