Liszt: Reminiscences de 'Don Juan' S.418

Mozart's masterpiece opera, Don Giovanni. Composed by Liszt in 1841, when he was 30 years old, it was dedicated to King Christian VIII of Denmark. It is broadly divided into three 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 "Fin ch'han dal vino" (Champagne Aria).

In this work, rather than faithfully reproducing the entire original, Liszt reconstructs the melodies while quoting them.

It is a virtuoso work, considered one of the most difficult pieces, featuring leaps, continuous octaves, dizzyingly rapid scales, and overwhelming sonorities. The cascading display of virtuosity 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 Commendatore, killed by Don Giovanni, resounds heavily. The eerie scales rapidly ascending and descending suggest the Commendatore's revenge.

Part 2

In stark contrast to the first part, this section has a bright atmosphere. The duet "Là ci darem la mano" between Don Giovanni and Zerlina is sung sweetly and richly. It is reproduced in a largely faithful manner. This theme is then varied and developed with increasingly brilliant ornamentation.

Part 3

The Commendatore's ominous melody is heard again. The scene depicts Don Giovanni inviting the Commendatore's ghost to dinner. Effectively showcasing the intertwining with the Commendatore's eerie theme, Don Giovanni's "Fin ch'han dal vino" (Champagne Aria) forms an overwhelming finale, allowing no moment to breathe.