Critical examination Liszt’s transcription of second movement of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony (3rd symphony)

Authors : Xiangyu Wu, Herry Djahwasi, Mohd Nizam Nasrifan

Pages : 918-934

Doi:10.31811/ojomus.1744553

View : 90 | Download : 366

Publication Date : 2025-10-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study provides a critical examination of Franz Liszt’s piano transcription of the second movement (Marcia funebre) of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 “Eroica.” The methodology employs score-based analysis. Through comparative analysis of the orchestral original and Liszt’s solo piano adaptation, this research investigates the transcriptional techniques employed by Liszt to preserve the essential character of Beethoven’s funeral march while adapting it to the technical and expressive capabilities of the piano. The study reveals nine systematic adaptation strategies: close voicing to open voicing transformation, pitch register adjustment, additional octave interval implementation, texture adjustment for sustained instruments, selective omission of ineffective passages, string orchestral reduction for complex polyphonic textures, arpeggios pattern adjustment and modification, rhythm synchronisation, and timpani trill and climax orchestral adaptation. These techniques demonstrate Liszt’s innovative approach to textural redistribution, harmonic preservation, and dynamic expression in piano transcription, contributing to our understanding of 19th-century transcription practices and their role in musical dissemination.
Keywords : Franz Liszt, Ludwig van Beethoven, Eroica Senfonisi, piyano transkripsiyonu, karşılaştırmalı analiz, 19. yüzyıl müziği

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