Description

The third volume of Liszt's Années de pèlerinage, published in 1883, diverges from the travel-inspired themes of the first two volumes, focusing instead on a spiritual journey that contemplates essential religious issues. Among the pieces in this collection, Les Jeux d'eaux à la Villa d’Este, composed in 1877 during Liszt's stay at the Villa d’Este near Rome, stands out for its distinct style and character. Unlike the more somber works in the collection, this piece vividly captures the dynamic movements of the villa's fountains through a cascade of sound. Liszt reinforces its spiritual significance by including a biblical reference in the footnote, highlighting water as the source of eternal life. This technically challenging yet widely appreciated composition is now offered as a revised standalone edition.