Liszt, Franz - Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Liszt's piano rhapsodies are part of the same tradition as his transcriptions of opera or song themes, with folk dances and songs serving as the source material here. The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, published in 1851, was described by Liszt as a 'true Magyar' and a 'brilliant counterpart' to his own concert showpiece, Grand Galop chromatique. In fact, the work, based on strong dynamic and harmonic contrasts, quickly became popular and remains one of his most beloved piano pieces to this day. The long-inaccessible autograph of the composition is now available for viewing again, which is reason enough to subject the Henle Urtext edition to a thorough revision.