Transcription, Paraphrase, Creed in Franz Liszt’s 'Variations on „Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen”'

Abstract

Franz Liszt created a new tradition by playing transcriptions and paraphrasing the most well-known operas and works of his time on his fabulous concerts. This habit created new genres like Transcriptions (Reminiscences de Norma S. 394, Grandes études de Paganini S. 141) and Paraphrases (The Rigoletto Paraphrase S.434, The Ernani Paraphrase S. 432). The Variations on „Weinen Klagen Sorgen Zagen” fits into both categories: On the one hand Liszt paraphrases J.S.Bach’s Crucifixus and the 12th Cantata. On the other hand, he transcribes with a great craftsmanship his piano work for organ. The historical and private background of this work testifies to an extraordinary faith.

Keywords

• Liszt, Bach, Transcription, Paraphrase, Creed.