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Hamlet, inspired by the well-known Shakespeare tragedy, is number ten in Liszt's series of thirteen tone poems for orchestra. It was composed in 1858 during Liszt's tenure in Weimar but did not receive its premiere for 18 years - on 2 July 1876 in Sonderhausen. Like all but the last of his thirteen tone poems, this is dedicated to his longtime companion Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittengenstein.
This new study score is a digitally-restored reissue of the score edited by Otto Taubmann in the fifth volume of the Liszt-Stiftung edition, published in 1909. In contrast so many of the on-demand scores now available this one comes with all the pages with each image thoroughly checked to make sure it is readable, then beautifully printed on quality stock with an attractive glossy cover. Also included is an informative introduction by Liszt scholar Soren Afshar (Funper), a major contributor to the vast collection of Liszt pieces on IMSLP. Matching large conductor score and orchestra parts are also available from Serenissima Music.
About the author
Franz Liszt, born on October 22, 1811, and passing away on July 31, 1886, was a notable figure in Hungarian music history. He was recognized as a composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor, and educator throughout the Romantic era. Regarded as a highly productive and prominent composer of his time, his extensive portfolio of compositions spanning over six decades has solidified his status as one of the foremost figures in the field. Furthermore, he continues to enjoy widespread acclaim and popularity as one of the most often performed composers in contemporary concert piano repertoire. Franz Liszt initially garnered recognition in the early 19th century due to his exceptional virtuosity as a pianist. He is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional pianists in history, having embarked on a series of European tours throughout the 1830s and 1840s, frequently engaging in benefit performances. During this period, Franz Liszt acquired renowned for his commanding musical interpretations, alongside his notable physical allure. Liszt's ascent to fame, commonly referred to as "Lisztomania," was a notable departure from the level of recognition and public appeal attained by his virtuoso predecessors. Unlike earlier musicians who primarily catered to the upper class, Liszt managed to captivate a broader audience.
