Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 05/03/1997, uploaded on 05/03/2011

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Franz Liszt’s Scherzo und Marsch first appeared in 1851 but, like many of the composer’s works, it was revised before an 1854 published edition. The Scherzo, beginning in D minor, possesses an impish playfulness, particularly in the grace note figures that embellish the opening chords. Taking flight at a lively tempo, it abounds in Liszt’s usual imaginative effects, which add to the mischievous quality of the music. At times, the Scherzo nearly over-indulges in its roguish fun and borders on becoming menacing. More than once, it builds into a threatening octave passage—first in the key of the dominant, later again in the tonic—descending mercilessly through the minor scale but ultimately withdrawing back into its rough playfulness.

Following the close of the Scherzo, the March begins quietly in the key of B-flat major with the imitation of drums in the left hand. Growing upward through the tones of the tonic triad, the melody though militant in nature possesses yet a little of the impishness of the Scherzo. As a result, it remains predominantly lighthearted in appearance, but its proud procession onward suggests that it, at least, takes itself quite seriously. A portion of the Scherzo partially returns in the middle of the March but eventually gives way once again to the procession. This final appearance begins with a feeling of suspense as the militant melody reappears over diminished harmonies and builds dramatically into its full recapitulation in the key of D major. However, the Scherzo has the final say as the March passes seamlessly into the climatic octave passage of the former, which drives the piece to its energetic conclusion.      Joseph DuBose