Edit Klukon and Dezső Ránki’s Concert Series • 4.3

Liszt’s symphonic poems were premiered in German cities, primarily in Weimar and on one occasion each in Braunschweig and Sondershausen. Héroïde funèbre was first performed in Breslau (Wrocław, Poland), while Hungaria was given its premiere in Pest. A reviewer wrote of the latter: “It is replete with great beauties which it takes great strength both to create and perform. The Hungarian elements, however, are well hidden. The theatre was filled to capacity. With long applause, the audience bade farewell to a great musician who in 1842 etched his extraordinary piano playing talent in his compatriots’ memory, and now his composing genius.”