Description

In the second volume titled "Italie" of the three-part series "Années de pèlerinage," released in 1858, prominent figures of Italian art and literature are prominently featured. Among them is Dante, whose renowned work "Divina Commedia" significantly influenced Liszt, leading to the creation of "Après une lecture du Dante." This piece, subtitled "Fantasia quasi Sonata," underwent four iterations between 1839 and 1853. The subtitle reflects a contemporary understanding of formal ambiguity, as the four sections can be perceived as both a sonata form and a four-part sonata. Additionally, the work showcases the full range of Liszt's piano techniques, from lyrical melodies to demanding octave passages. Notably, this composition stands out as the longest and most technically challenging in the Italian collection, making it one of the most celebrated pieces in the "Année" series, now available in a revised single edition.