Why Franz Liszt’s most famous piano rhapsody is not entirely Hungarian
In short: Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 is a staple of concert halls and cartoons, yet its opening theme is actually Romanian. This masterpiece, composed in 1847, showcases the composer's fascination with folk rhythms and his unique approach to structure, including a famous invitation for performers to improvise their own cadenza.
Franz Liszt, a Hungarian-born pianist, drew deep inspiration from the folk music he encountered during his youth. This influence is central to his nationalistic works, most notably the set of 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies. The second rhapsody, dedicated to Count László Teleki, was first published in 1851. Its structure is divided into two distinct parts: the dark, melancholic lassan and the energetic, playful friska. The lassan begins in C-sharp minor, while the friska, which eventually shifts into F-sharp major, relies on rapid, toe-tapping rhythms and technical bravura.
The piece is famous for its symmetrical key planning, where Liszt deliberately uses minor and major tonalities to create dramatic tension. Interestingly, the work’s introductory theme is Romanian rather than Hungarian, a fact Liszt acknowledged in an 1864 letter following accusations from pianist Heinrich Ehrlich. Liszt viewed his role as a rhapsodist not as a creator of original melodies, but as an arranger tasked with capturing the true essence of the folk themes he collected in his sketchbooks.
Beyond the original piano solo, the work has seen numerous adaptations. Liszt collaborated with Franz Doppler between 1857 and 1860 to create an orchestral version, which was published in 1875. The composer also arranged a piano duet version in 1874. The rhapsody is also noted for its 'Cadenza ad lib' instruction. While most pianists skip this, legends like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Marc-André Hamelin composed their own, and Vladimir Horowitz famously created an entirely original arrangement of the rhapsody in 1953.
The rhapsody's enduring popularity is evidenced by its frequent appearance in animated films and its status as a cornerstone of piano literature. Whether performed in its original form or in one of the many orchestral transcriptions—such as those by Karl Müller Berghaus or Franz Schreker—the work remains a masterclass in musical contrast and technical display, cementing its place as the most celebrated entry in Liszt's rhapsody collection.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
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