Franz Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage, première année – Suisse" is a captivating collection of piano pieces that offers a deep dive into the composer's experiences during his travels in Switzerland. Released in 2005 by Hyperion, this album features nine evocative compositions from the first volume of Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage" series, along with three additional works by Liszt and Charles Gounod. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.
The centerpiece of the album is the "Années de pèlerinage I, Suisse, S. 160," a suite of nine pieces that Liszt composed during his sojourn in Switzerland between 1835 and 1836. Each piece in the suite is a vivid musical depiction of the landscapes and experiences that inspired Liszt during his travels. From the serene "Chapelle de Guillaume Tell" to the stormy "Orage," and the nostalgic "Le mal du pays (Heimweh)," these compositions showcase Liszt's mastery of the piano and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through music.
In addition to the "Années de pèlerinage" suite, the album also includes three works by Liszt and Charles Gounod. "Les adieux, Rêverie sur un motif de l'opéra 'Roméo et Juliette' de Gounod" is a beautiful reverie based on a theme from Gounod's opera "Romeo and Juliet." The "Valse de l'opéra Faust de Gounod" is a lively and elegant waltz from Gounod's opera "Faust." Finally, "Les Sabéennes, Berceuse de l'opéra 'La reine de Saba'" is a soothing lullaby from Gounod's opera "The Queen of Sheba."
This album is a testament to Liszt's genius and his ability to capture the essence of his experiences through music. Whether you are a fan of classical piano music or simply appreciate beautiful and evocative compositions, "Années de pèlerinage, première année – Suisse" is sure to delight and inspire.
