A play-Liszt

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In his celebrated Manon, Kenneth MacMillan tapped into the hidden gems of Jules Massenet, composer of the opera of the same name, to (re)compose a score suited to the frivolous elegance and profound nostalgia of Abbé Prévost's tale. He did the same for Mayerling, this time looking to Hungary and its most famous musician, Franz Liszt. A virtuoso pianist, a tireless composer and a leading figure in the social life of his time, Liszt's career was nonetheless one of contrasts, and he retreated into a form of mysticism at the end of his life. Well-known for his often improvised transcriptions and variations on works in vogue (Wagner, Verdi, Schubert, Beethoven, Mendelssohn), and for his technically daunting musical imitations (Jeux d'eau à la villa d'Este), he is also the author of a body of sacred music whose strange beauty continues to resonate. An inexhaustible musical heritage of richness and emotional depth, to be discovered in our dedicated playlist.

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^{Title: Hugo Marchand - Prince Rodolphe}