Liszt, Franz. (1811–1886) & Stavenhagen, Bernhard. (1862–1914)
Autograph Musical Quotation, "Second Piano Concerto."
A rare AMQS from the Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist who boldly pens and signs ("F. Liszt") the opening three measures of his Second Piano Concerto in A Major. Approximately 2 cm below, one of Liszt's most celebrated students - Berhard Stavenhagen - has signed and dated Weimar 7.10.86." 16 x 23 cm and in very fine condition.The dating of this page suggests that this was likely one of the very last autographs signed by Liszt, who would shortly depart Weimar for the final time. Liszt would die just 21 days later at Bayreuth, Germany, on July 31, 1886, at the age of 74, officially as a result of pneumonia which he may have contracted during the Bayreuth Festival hosted by his daughter Cosima.
Liszt first wrote drafts for his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in A Major, S.125, during his virtuoso period, in 1839 to 1840. He then did not return to it until approximately 10 years later, at which point he revised it extensively off and on for another 11 years, the final period of revision ending in 1861. The work is dedicated to his student Hans von Bronsart, who gave the first performance, with Liszt conducting, in Weimar on January 7, 1857.
The German pianist, composer and conductor, Bernard Stavenhagen, was one of Liszt's last and most prized students. After studying with Theodor Kullak and Friedrich Kiel, Stavenhagen became a pupil of Liszt in Weimar in 1885 and travelled extensively with him throughout Europe until his death the following year. (5546)
AMQS Classical Music