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Liszt, Franz : Fantasie und fuge über den namen Bach S.529

Work Overview

Music ID : 994
Composition Year:1871 
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:12 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Original/Related Work: Bach, Johann SebastianPiano solo pieces based on J.S.Bach's works by various composers

Commentary (1)

Author : Wada, Mayuko

Last Updated: October 1, 2007
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Having settled in Weimar at the age of 37, Liszt spent ample time on conducting and organizing concerts, performing, as well as piano pedagogy and composition, leading a highly fulfilling life. It was also during this period that he diligently studied Bach's works and, out of reverence, composed pieces based on Bach's name.

In 1855, Liszt premiered his first organ work, Fantasia and Fugue on the Chorale 'Ad nos, ad salutarem undam', and subsequently completed the organ work Prelude and Fugue on the Name B-A-C-H.

Incidentally, Fantasia and Fugue on the Name B-A-C-H (Fantasie und Fuge über den Namen BACH) is a revision of this organ work, Prelude and Fugue on the Name B-A-C-H, further arranged for piano in 1871.

It was revised to enhance its effectiveness on the piano and is frequently performed.

At the beginning, the mysterious and striking theme heard in the left hand is derived from the letters B-A-C-H (B-flat, A, C, B-natural), and this theme reappears repeatedly throughout the piece in various guises.

The piece fully exploits pianistic effects such as alternating hand strokes, rapidly shifting octaves, dizzyingly ascending and descending arpeggios, and rumbling bass notes. The masterful expression of an inner spiritual world alongside these effects is truly characteristic of Liszt.

In performance, while many sections are played forte, it is crucial to ensure that the body does not become tense. One should aim to create a rich sound while being mindful of the body's center of gravity.

Writer: Wada, Mayuko

Reference Videos & Audition Selections(3items)

ロドリゲス ありさ
萬谷 衣里
バッハの名による幻想曲とフーガ(第10回福田靖子賞)

Sheet Music

Scores List (1)