Question about Lizst transcription of Schumann's Liebeslied (Widmung)

[lani]

Could someone advise if the above piece is allowed for competitions ?  Is it considered an original solo piano piece? What are rules generally regarding transcribed pieces vs. the orignial composer? My daughter (12) loves this piece and wants to play it for the local music teacher's recital and competition for next year.  She really wants to work on the Lizst transcription -(not the accompaniment to the song) by Schumann.  Also, any background information on this piece would be very helpful, as well as the difficulty /grade level.  Thanks very much.   

[freddychopin]

It is allowed. I've played Balakirev's transcription of Glinka's the Lark and Liszt's transcription of Chopin's Op 74/12 in a competition. Sometimes in exams you also could study transcriptions. It's totally legal..

If your daughter of 12 can play it she's very talentful. It is not so easy as it looks imo. You need big hands and it is difficult to play it natural. Grade: 8 (ABSRM)

If she played many Chopin and Liszt she could give this a good result.

[lani]

Thank you for your reply. Is it unusual when a "song" is chosen rather than an actual piece for a competition?  Are there any exceptions (i.e. this piece or others) to this rule? We understand this is sometimes risky in competitions.  However, she likes the piece enough to learn it (her hands are long for 12), and it may take some time for her to perfect it, but as long as the motivation is there!  Regards, Lani

[freddychopin]

There are many transcriptions of songs (often opera). This transcription is well composed and allowed. Even in the biggest and world famous international competitions they play transcriptions of songs. There are almost no exceptions and I don't think it is a big risk to play them. Trust me, this one is better than a fantasy impromptu  for example or other overplayed pieces.

In a competition, the jury look on how your play it and how you interpret the composer. Both Liszt and Schumann are famous and from the same time.

An actual piece is often also a song. "Nocturnes" of Chopin, "Songs Without Words" of Mendelsohn etc. If a song haves lyrics it is still allowed.

You must know that I have a great recording of the piece. PM me if you want it.

[pianomann1984]

Learn the other Schumann/Liszt Transcription (Fruhlingsnacht) aswell - it's more  beautiful even than Widmung! 

I also have a question - does anybody play the Liszt/Schubert 'Die Forelle' Transcription?  I am playing it and want to know how on Earth one copes with the three-octave RH leaps (you'll know the passage I mean!)- it's a bloody nightmare!

[pigscanfly]

Learn the other Schumann/Liszt Transcription (Fruhlingsnacht) aswell - it's more  beautiful even than Widmung! 

Do you have a recording or know where I could get sheet music for this piece, Fruhlingsnacht? 

[pianomann1984]

You could try

www.classicalarchive.com

If not, then try a google search for

"Schumann/Liszt Fruhlingsnacht" listen to

You should find a few free samples that will give you an idea.

[lani]

Learn the other Schumann/Liszt Transcription (Fruhlingsnacht) aswell - it's more  beautiful even than Widmung! 

Is this more or less difficult than Widmung?  By the way, Freddy, we have Yundi Li's version of Widmung (it's lovely) if your version is another pianist, we'd welcome it.  You can e-mail it to: lani_590@hotmail.com. Thanks for the replies and suggestions.  My daughter loves the Songs w/out Words pieces by Mendelssohn. Regards, Lani

[pianomann1984]

I find Fruhlingsnacht is easier than Widmung, but others may find it the other way around.