Mephisto Waltz No 1 by Franz Liszt

Mephisto Waltz No 1 (1859 - 1862) by Franz Liszt Malta International Arts Festival 2025 Franz Liszt's Mephisto Waltz No. 1 is a fascinating orchestral work inspired by Nikolaus Lenau's poetic drama Faust. Subtitled "Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke" (The Dance in the Village Inn), the piece vividly depicts a scene where Mephistopheles enchants villagers with his violin playing, leading them into a wild and seductive dance. The music begins with a dramatic introduction, symbolising Mephistopheles tuning his violin, followed by a sensual waltz marked espressivo amoroso. The dance builds to a frenzied climax before subsiding into a serene conclusion, punctuated by the distant song of a nightingale. This work showcases Liszt's mastery of program music, blending virtuosity with a dark, alluring narrative that has captivated audiences for generations. conductor: Michael Laus Malta Philharmonic Orchestra