Inspiration and Program in Liszt's Piano Concerto De Profundis (Psaume instrumental)

Watzatka, Ágnes (2025) Inspiration and Program in Liszt's Piano Concerto De Profundis (Psaume instrumental). STUDIA MUSICOLOGICA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MUSICOLOGY OF THE HUNGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 66 (1-2). pp. 133-149. ISSN 1788-6244

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Abstract

The piano concerto De profundis (Psaume instrumental) is a remarkable work of the 23-year-old Liszt, showing much of the innovative composer he was to become. The title refers to the third theme, the French fauxbourdon De profundis , a harmonization of Psalm 129/130 according to the French liturgical tradition. In this work, which is composed in double-function form, Liszt already applied the technique of thematic transformation. The theme appears as the imitation of the vocal recitation, as an Adagio, then as a Polonaise, and finally as a triumphal march. In my study I present the thematic material of the concerto, trying to find connections between the music, the circumstances of its composition, and the biography of Liszt. These allow me to find answers to questions like what could be the programatic content of this unusual piece, why did Liszt compose it at all, and why did he leave it unfinished.

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