Liszt Ballade No. 2

In B minor. This ballade is much more well known and preformed than the first, mainly because it is twice as long and more substantial. In fact, the Ballade in B minor is considered to be one of Liszt's masterpieces. What exactly inspired this ballade is uncertain. While some say that Liszt wrote it without a program in mind, there are a few theories as to what the supposed story is. The first is the story of Hero and Leander, two ill fated lovers. The second is the story of Burger's ballade, Lenore, where a woman who denounces God is taken by an undead horseman into the pits of hell. Whatever inspired the piece doesn't matter, for the ballade itself can stand on its own without an added program. Like most of Liszt's piano pieces, the ballade is very difficult and orchestral. Played by: Bertrand Giraud