Weimar, the charming land Liszt chose to settle in after many years of wandering throughout Europe, became a place of profound artistic significance in his compositional career. After an arduous touring journey across European stages, Liszt decided to step away from his flourishing performance career and fully dedicate himself to composition. Drawing from his experiences during years of pilgrimage, Liszt captured his impressions of people and places he encountered through vibrant and colorful sounds. His music reflects revolutionary ideas conveyed through performance techniques that challenge the limits of imagination, elevating emotions to impassioned climaxes. Liszt’s collection “The Years of Pilgrimage” emerged as the sweetest culmination in his compositional career.
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to give two debut performances during my first three months studying in New Zealand – in the cities of Wellington and Gisborne. Both of these concerts focused on exploring the hidden beauty of Volume One, “Switzerland”, from Liszt’s “Années de Pèlerinage” (Years of Pilgrimage). This collection of masterpieces is regarded as the most profound reflection of Liszt’s spirit and experiences from his years of travel. The refined version we know today, shaped through many revisions, was finalized in the 1850s after Liszt settled in the charming town of Weimar. By then, he had stepped away from the dazzling success of his concert tours to fully devote himself to composing, conducting, teaching, and nurturing the musical ideas he had carried with him throughout his European journeys. Immersed in diverse cultures, Liszt deeply absorbed their essence in history, landscapes, and human stories with great sensitivity. All those precious experiences did not pass by accidentally but were deeply etched in his heart and mind, stirring wonderful emotions, soaring and resonating, causing streams of sound to bloom and flow under the genius pen of Liszt.
Uplifted by Liszt’s extraordinary musical talent, Volume 1 harmonized to create a musical story that captures Switzerland’s dreamy and majestic beauty. This musical journey blends the natural landscape with historical echoes and literary inspirations, all shaped by the deep emotional contrasts of human experience. The collection opens with the piece “William Tell Overture” in lively chords accompanied by the motto “one for all, all for one,” followed in succession by the landscape paintings “Lake Wallenstadt,” “Countryside,” “By the Stream,” and “Storm.” These pieces paint a landscape that feels both crystal-clear and breathtaking. The serene purity of nature deeply touched Liszt, yet also overwhelmed by the humbling realization of how small we are in the face of its power.
At the collection’s heart lies “Obermann’s Valley” – a piece with an endless valley stretching out of the storm. The landscape brings Liszt a deeply personal and unique set of emotions. Those are contemplation, inner turmoil, and even existential doubt in the universe. It captures the feeling of the never-ending afternation between sorrow and happiness, dream and reality, memory and chaos in the opposing forces. Yet in the end, what remains and endures like an unshakable vow is that “love and compassion are eternal.” These words resonate like heavenly bells, urging the human heart to burn brightly and fully – to bring light to life.
When the emotional “Obermann’s Valley” ends, it is followed by “Ecology” subtitled “Live as if life had no graves”. Its melodies are pure and full of innocent beauty. The next song is “Homesickness” resonating with an emptiness and yearning for distant memories and the cherished emotions of times long gone. The collection concludes with “The Bells of Geneva,” where soft chimes drift like a gentle breeze. This tender piece reflects Liszt’s sweet happiness at the birth of his daughter, Blandine, in Geneva. With a quiet, joyful smile, the music closes the collection in a moment of profound, boundless contentment.
“The Years of Pilgrimage” – Volume 1 “Switzerland” is a profoundly poetic and emotional piece Liszt poured his whole heart into crafting. The notes go beyond mere sounds – they become the essence and spirit that nourish the timeless values the piece offers humanity. Deciding to step away from the peak of his dazzling performance career to focus entirely on composing was a bold and courageous decision. However, that choice marked the beginning of Liszt’s most creatively radiant period, establishing him as one of the greatest and most influential composers of the Romantic era. Liszt is known as a virtuoso performer, composer, conductor, and teacher; above all, he was the one who ceaselessly pursued beauty – willing to burn with passion and give everything he had to bring beauty into the world.
There is a deep emotional connection between the melodies of Liszt’s “The Years of Pilgrimage” – Volume 1 “Switzerland” and my journey as I begin my “pilgrimage” in Wellington, New Zealand. New experiences, new friendships, a touch of homesickness, and the quiet inspiration drawn from New Zealand’s peaceful natural landscapes have become part of my story. I feel truly grateful and joyful that the audience in Wellington and Gisborne welcomed the music so warmly and connected deeply with the spirit of Liszt’s work. I deeply appreciate the affection and support I have received, and look forward with excitement to all the beautiful moments yet to come on this new journey.
Luu Hong Quang – New Zealand 2024.
