Special thanks to living-depression (This prompt has a special feature! 😉)
Today's prompt is dedicated to living-depression: Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 by Franz Liszt
The Hungarian-born composer and pianist Franz Liszt was strongly influenced by the music heard in his youth, particularly Hungarian folk music, with its unique gypsy scale, rhythmic spontaneity and direct, seductive expression. These elements would eventually play a significant role in Liszt's compositions. Although this prolific composer's works are highly varied in style, a relatively large part of his output is nationalistic in character, the Hungarian Rhapsodies being an ideal example.
Composed in 1847 and dedicated to Count László Teleki, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 was first published as a piano solo in 1851 by Bartholf Senff. Its immediate success and popularity on the concert stage led to an orchestrated version, arranged (together with five other rhapsodies) in 1857-1860 by the composer in collaboration with Franz Doppler, and published by Schuberth in 1874-1875. In addition to the orchestral version, the composer arranged a piano duet version in 1874, published by Schuberth the following year.
And, fun fact, the title of this rhapsody is slightly misleading, as the introductory theme is Romanian, rather than Hungarian. This theme was found in one of Liszt's Weimar sketchbooks. In his memoirs, Austrian pianist Heinrich Ehrlich accused Liszt of using his own theme for the piece without adding promised attribution, after Ehrlich played it for Liszt in 1846. The memoirs contain an 1864 letter from Liszt, in which the composer acknowledges Ehrlich's influences while making no claim to the melodies; only that his task "as a rhapsodist is merely limited to turning them into works as close as possible to their true essence."
Composers wrote thousands and thousands of variations of these piece by simply adding a cadenza; Liszt himself did for his students, although these were never performed. The piece gained popularity after its additon to film scores, most notably Tom and Jerry.
And now, without further ado.... WHAT IF IT WAS HUMAN?!
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This project for me was childhood nostalgia, as I used to watch Hungarian Folktales growing up and I am a sucker for hussar jackets. I used the color scheme from one of the episodes, King Matthias and The Lamb with the Golden Fleece. The design is heavily inspired by real life king Mathias Corvinus (or, if you are Romanian, Matei Corvin, if you will.), who is hailed as one of Hungary's legendary rulers, appearing in stories as a witty king who goes in disguise aroun the kingdom to test his subjects. I used the Crown of Saint Stephen, then switched to the laurel leaves Mathias is often seen wearing in art.
And, of course, it's a special feature, so I added a very proud father!
Did I nail it? Are there any facts I overlooked or gotten wrong? Write it in the comments!
