Music TheoryPrint

Franz Liszt

Au bord d'une source

Au bord d'une source ("Beside a Spring") is a piano piece by Franz Liszt; it is the 4th piece of the first suite of Années de Pèlerinage ("Years of Pilgrimage"). There are three separate versions of

Analysis#

The main theme of Au bord d’une source comprises a pattern of arpeggiated semiquavers in the right hand with short notes in the left, firstly played below the right hand and then played two octaves higher, above the right hand. This constant crossing over of hands places considerable technical demands on the amateur pianist. Liszt links the various sections of the piece together using passages of intricate scale and arpeggio patterns ascending high into the upper register, descending back down and transforming back into the melody; this allows the whole piece to flow as one. The piece has many intricate difficulties that are belied by the calm mood with which a successful performance is often imbued.

Recordings#

The following pianists have recorded the piece, among others: :

  • Album d’un Voyageur, S.156 Scores at the IMSLP.
  • Années de Pèlerinage: 1ère Année: Suisse, S.160 Scores at the IMSLP.
  • Au bord d’une source, coda to the third version Score at the Internet Archive
  • Au bord d’une source at Allmusic
  • Au bord d’une source played by Vladimir Horowitz, from The Last Romantic (YouTube)
Composer
Franz Liszt