Franz Liszt ： Ballade No.1 S.170/R.15

Liszt’s Ballade No. 1 is a work in which dramatic, narrative-like development meets the beauty of singing melodies. Weighty, tense passages give way to introspective and lyrical sections, while contrasting musical ideas are skillfully set against one another as the music moves toward a grand climax. The rich sonorities, wide register, and rapid passages found throughout demand not only technical control but also a clear understanding of the overall structure. Allowing the melodies to breathe while keeping the accompaniment balanced, and shaping tempo fluctuations with restraint rather than letting emotion take over, will clarify the contrast between tension and release and bring the work’s drama to life.