Totentanz (paraphrase on Dies Irae), S. 126/2 (final version, ca. 1862): Full Orchestra, Solo Keyboard with Ensemble, Conductor Score

The idea for TOTENTANZ, S. 126 (Dance of the Dead) was conceived by Franz Liszt (1811-1886) in 1838. Two versions were to follow, the first completed in 1853, and the second version finished in 1864. The flashy virtuosic piece for the solo piano uses the Gregorian plainchant melody Dies irae (Day of Judgement) in a set of variations. This second and final version premiered at The Hague on April 15, 1865. The first version, which is nicknamed "De Profundis," is most commonly heard in the 1919 edition by famed Italian composer, pianist, and conductor Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) and is also available from the publisher. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 2.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(3): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Pno in set.