Franz Liszt: Reminiscences de 'Don Juan'

Arrangement for two pianos (Commentary transcribed from the piano solo version)

Mozart's masterpiece opera, Don Giovanni. Composed in 1841 when Liszt was 30 years old, it was dedicated to King Christian VIII of Denmark. It is broadly divided into three main parts: the Commendatore's theme, the duet 'Là ci darem la mano' between Don Giovanni and Zerlina, and a section where the Commendatore's theme intertwines with Don Giovanni's aria 'Finch'han dal vino' (Champagne Aria).

In this work, rather than faithfully reproducing the entire original, melodies are quoted and then reconstructed by Liszt.

It is a virtuoso work that can be described as one of the most difficult pieces, featuring leaps, continuous octaves, dizzyingly rapid scales, and overwhelming sonorities. The cascading virtuosity displayed is truly a spectacle. Furthermore, Liszt also made an arrangement for two pianos in 1877, which achieves a brilliant performance effect.

Part 1

At the beginning, the ominous theme of the curse of the Commendatore, slain by Don Giovanni, resounds heavily. The eerie scales that furiously rush up and down hint at the Commendatore's revenge.

Part 2

In stark contrast to the first part, this section has a bright atmosphere. Don Giovanni and Zerlina's duet 'Là ci darem la mano' is sung sweetly and richly. It is reproduced in an almost faithful manner. This theme is then varied and developed with even more brilliant ornamentation.

Part 3

Again, the Commendatore's cursed melody is heard. The scene is where Don Giovanni invites the Commendatore's ghost to dinner. Effectively showcasing its intertwining with the Commendatore's eerie theme, Don Giovanni's 'Finch'han dal vino' (Champagne Aria) forms an overwhelming finale, leaving no room to breathe.