Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 02/08/2005, uploaded on 01/22/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Sposalizio, from Années de Pèlerinage Book II: Italy         Franz  Liszt

Liszt completed and published the second set of his "Years of Pilgrimage" pieces in 1848. Ten years in the making, the collection contains some of his finest works for piano solo.  The set holds seven pieces each inspired by various masterworks of the Italian Renaissance:  a painting by Raphael, a Michelangelo statue, a song of Salvator Rosa, sonnets from Petrarch, and Dante's Divine Comedy. 

No. 1 Sposalizio (Marriage)

Inspired by Raphael's painting "Marriage of the Virgin", Sposalizio is a work of great tenderness, devotion and love.  Raphael's graceful image shows the moment when the High Priest unites the hands of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary, as he places the wedding ring on her finger.  Liszt evokes numerous religions allusions, such as an organum-like theme recalling the plain chant of monks, a 'sighing' motive of the Virgin, and a quiet prayer-like section.    Jason Cutmore

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.