Notation in Liszt's Orage

[haydnseeker]

What is the notation of the chords in the opening bars (and similar ones later in the piece) as dotted crotchet tied to quaver, rather than a minim, supposed to indicate?

It must surely be something to do with pedalling - perhaps to ensure the pedal is released before the subsequent rest?

My Henle copy has no pedal marks in these passages.  The PS edition has pedal marks added but they're of inconsistent length.

[bachbrahmsschubert]

It's just for the eye and reading purposes. It's easier to read an 8th note tied leading into an 8th rest that is followed by 8th notes. With this notation, he's dividing the beat for you in a way that is comfortable for the eye; it has no effect on the performance of the piece. It would be played the same if he replaced the second beat of the first measure with a half note.