In February 1883, Wagner, Liszt's friend and rival, passed away at the age of 70. Liszt, then 71, composed La lugubre gondola, First Version and La lugubre gondola, Second Version three months before Wagner's death. Liszt later stated that he composed these pieces with a premonition of Wagner's death. Although sharing the same title, these are significantly different works and are sometimes referred to as No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

La lugubre gondola, First Version / La lugubre gondola S.200/1

• 6/8 time, Andante, A-flat major, with a barcarolle (boat song) rhythm. Published in 1916.
• Employs chromatic melodies often found in Wagner's works.
• The sudden appearance of dissonances is also striking.

La lugubre gondola, Second Version / La lugubre gondola S.200/2

• 4/4 time, Andante non troppo lento.
• The original version was written as a duo for violin or cello and piano, which was then arranged for piano.
• The lack of a clear key creates a mysterious atmosphere.
• Alongside Bagatelle sans tonalité and Nuages gris, it is one of the works that served as a precursor to modern music, significantly influencing later composers.
• It was known early on.
• Begins with both hands in unison.
• Performance time is approximately 8 minutes.