Canadian virtuoso pianist and composer Marc-André Hamelin performs Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, S.244/2, the second in a set of 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies by the Hungarian composer, and is by far the most famous of the set. Cadenza is written by Hamelin himself. This performance was recorded at the Casals Hall, Tokyo, on December 11, 1997.
Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor, S.244/2, is the second in a set of 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies by Franz Liszt, published in 1851. It stands out as the most famous of the set. Both in its original piano solo form and its orchestrated version, this composition has gained widespread popularity, notably in animated cartoons and as the basis for several popular songs.
Franz Liszt, a Hungarian-born composer and pianist, was deeply influenced by the music of his youth, especially Hungarian folk music. This influence is evident in his Hungarian Rhapsodies, which capture the unique gypsy scale, rhythmic spontaneity, and direct expression of Hungarian music. Composed in 1847 and dedicated to Count László Teleki, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 was first published as a piano solo in 1851. Its immediate success led to an orchestrated version, arranged in collaboration with Franz Doppler between 1857 and 1860, and published by Schuberth in 1874-1875. Liszt also created a piano duet version in 1874.
The composition features two distinct sections: the dramatic and melancholic lassan and the lively friska. The lassan, with its dark and somber mood, is contrasted by the friska, which is characterized by its energetic rhythms and vibrant, dance-like quality. This structure showcases Liszt’s ability to blend emotional depth with virtuosic display.
A unique aspect of Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 is Liszt’s invitation for performers to include a cadenza, though many pianists opt not to. Notable cadenzas have been composed by Marc-André Hamelin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, adding their own interpretations to the piece. Liszt himself wrote several cadenzas for his pupils’ performances.
The melodies in Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 are partly based on traditional themes, though there is some debate about their origins. The introductory theme is actually Romanian, found in one of Liszt’s Weimar sketchbooks. Austrian pianist Heinrich Ehrlich accused Liszt of using his theme without proper attribution, but Liszt claimed his role as a rhapsodist was to transform these themes into works that captured their essence.
The orchestral version of the Rhapsody, arranged by Liszt and Doppler, features a full orchestra with a wide range of instruments. This version raises the key by a semitone to D minor / G major. Other notable arrangements include one by Karl Müller Berghaus and a 1933 transcription by Franz Schreker. The composition has also inspired jazz renditions, such as Gábor Szabó’s 1975 album “Macho.”
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 has permeated popular culture, most famously appearing in animated cartoons. It was featured in the Tom and Jerry short “The Cat Concerto,” which won an Academy Award, and the Bugs Bunny short “Rhapsody Rabbit.” Its first appearance in a cartoon was in the 1929 Mickey Mouse short “The Opry House.”
Sources
- Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, S.244/2 (Liszt, Franz) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor, a musical composition by Franz Liszt on the Encyclopedia Britannica website (written by Betsy Schwarm)
- Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 on Wikipedia
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