Dante

[donjuan]

Right now, I am studying diabolical works of Liszt, and my teacher tells me in order to understand the meaning of the music, I should get a hold of an English Version of "Dante" the poem Liszt read and was inspired by. (Yes, as in the piece, 'Apres une lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi sonata')

Does anyone know of a web site where I can find an english translation of the writing "Dante"?
donjuan

[willcowskitz]

A good bet could be www.google.com/search?q=dante+alighieri+la+divina+commedia+english

[donjuan]

Do you know who wrote it?

[xvimbi]

Do you know who wrote it?

Dante (full: Durante) Alighieri (1268-1321) was a famous Italian poet who is best known for his Divina commedia (Divine Comedy). This the text that inspired Liszt to write several pieces. Divina commedia depicts a vision, in which the poet is conducted first by Virgil, the representative of human reason, through hell and purgatory, and then by Beatrice, the representative of human revelation; and finally by St. Bernard through the several heavens, where he beholds the triune God. The name Commedia, was given to the work by the poet himself, because, beginning with the horrible, it ends cheerfully; and because, in respect of style, it is lowly, being Written in the vulgar tongue. The epithet "Divina" was added by the admiration of after-times.
(I stole that from somewhere, because I wouldn't be able to describe it that concisely).

In any case, this is rather tough stuff. It is difficult to read, but comprehending it will require a course in mythology, humanism, and a whole bunch of other sociological subjects. Before diving into this work that can easily occupy somebody for an entire life, I recommend to find some short, cursory text, such as those intended for Highschool kids.

Since you're at it, also check out the contributions of Petrarch and Goethe (Faust).

[donjuan]

Thanks for the info, xvimbi!  I found a site with it, goodness, it looks like a NOVEL!
donjuan

[Hmoll]

Do you know who wrote it?

No offense, but you should get out of the practice room more often.

[xvimbi]

Thanks for the info, xvimbi!  I found a site with it, goodness, it looks like a NOVEL!
donjuan

The best I've seen so far is https://www.italianstudies.org/comedy/index.htm
and links therein. Your desire is admirable. I hope you'll be able to finish studying the Commedia! Have fun!

[donjuan]

This cant be right! My teacher told me it was a "poem" Liszt was inspired by, and I should "grab a copy" of it to read.  I didnt know the "poem" was a huge dictionary of metaphors, thicker than the Lord of the Rings trilogy!!!
donjuan

[Spatula]

This cant be right! My teacher told me it was a "poem" Liszt was inspired by, and I should "grab a copy" of it to read.  I didnt know the "poem" was a huge dictionary of metaphors, thicker than the Lord of the Rings trilogy!!!
donjuan

That's pretty insane just for one poem turn repretoire.  I know the things 15 mins long, but over 1000 some pages?  YIKES!  

[xvimbi]

That's pretty insane just for one poem turn repretoire.  I know the things 15 mins long, but over 1000 some pages?  YIKES!  

It's not THAT long, and also, studying Dante's Divine Comedy is not just meant to be preparation for one or two pieces. It makes you a better person! It's a good thing(TM)  

[littlechopin]

We study Dante's Divina Commedia at High school. It's not very easy... but it is fantastic. An incredible description of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

[maxy]

there is another Dante related work...
A poem by Victor Hugo from "les voix intérieures", it is titled "Après une lecture de Dante".   Read the poem, listen to the piece... the mood fits!

Like for Mazeppa!

[belvoce]

Dante's divine comedy is really awesome. It was my favorite book to read in in highschool.