- Published: November 15, 2021
- Updated: November 15, 2021
- University / College: Northumbria University at Newcastle
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 16
due: Listening log ical music) Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 Composer: Franz Liszt Style period: Classical
Genre: Rhapsodies
Instrumentation: Solo Piano
Performer: Valentina Lisitsa
This piece of music begins with a strong brief introduction. The starting key is a C-sharp major triad that is employed in the first 26 secs of music. A C-sharp minor is set as the home key, and the music progresses in a moderate manner. In the beginning, the music creates a melancholic and dark mood. From 50 secs, the tempo increases and the music generates a temperamental moment. At 1 min 35 secs, the theme of the music changes from the preceding one. The piece starts on F-sharp minor on its ascending chord, C sharp major that maintains the first theme. The harmonies alternate between tonic and dominant as the volume swells. This composition continues in a continuous increase in pianistic bravura and energy highlighted in dominant and tonic harmonies (Aichberger & Roenneke 7: 49).
There are modulations that are restricted to C sharp major and the softened median A major. The composition at 6mins 10 secs to 7 mins 20 secs expresses a jubilant and playful theme by the swift tones. An instance of calm mood exists at 8mins 43 secs in the F sharp minor key that is overtaken by the final hurly-burly sound. As the music comes closer to a conclusion, there is a massive crescendo of prestissimo octaves, going up and down the whole area of the keyboard that finalizes the piece in a splendid way (Aichberger & Roenneke 9: 42).
In conclusion, the use of different keys makes this piece unique; in that the dominant and tonic harmonies are utilized to intensify the first theme of somber and dark mood. To highlight the second theme, minor tonality is used to bring contrast to the second theme, which is jubilant. The keys alternate in a clear manner that portrays the great classical music of 1847.
Work cited
Aichberger, Von, and Roenneke. Valentina Lisitsa Plays Liszts Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.
YouTube. YouTube, 11 Feb. 2011. Web. 8 May 2015. .
