Franz Liszt: Symphonic Poem No. 4 "Orpheus", S 98 Arr. for Piano Trio by Saint-Saëns

The piece "Orpheus," originally composed by Franz Liszt (1811-1886) and later arranged for piano trio by Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) around 1910, is a transformative adaptation of Liszt's orchestral work. Liszt's "Orpheus" is inspired by the Greek myth of Orpheus, the legendary musician who ventures into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice. Saint-Saëns, known for his keen orchestration skills, reimagines Liszt's rich orchestral textures into a chamber music setting suitable for piano, violin, and cello. The piano, akin to Orpheus's lyre, retains its role as a protagonist with cascading passages and lush harmonies, while the violin and cello spin intricate melodies that evoke the poignant narrative of love, loss, and redemption. Through this collaboration of distinguished composers from the Romantic era, Saint-Saëns honors Liszt's original vision while adding his own interpretative flair, creating a rendition that resonates with both emotional depth and technical brilliance. "Orpheus," in this arrangement, stands as a testament to the enduring power of myth and the transformative magic of musical storytelling.