A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Symphonische Dichtungen

by George Grove

SYMPHONISCHE DICHTUNGEN—that is, Symphonic Poems. A title employed by Liszt for twelve pieces of orchestral music of characteristic, i.e. descriptive, kind, and of various dates—one feature of which is that the movements are not divided, but lead into each other without interruption.

1. Ce qu'on entend sur la montagne.
2. Tasso. Lamento e Trionfo.
3. Les Preludes.
4. Orpheus.
5. Prometheus.
6. Mazeppa.
7. Festklänge.
8. Héroïde funèbre.
9. Hungaria.
10. Hamlet.
11. Hunnenschlacht (Battle with the Huns).
12. Ideale.

Of these the following have been performed at Mr. Bache's annual concerts: no. 3, May 26, 1871 and twice besides; no. 4, Nov. 27, 73; no. 2, Nov. 27, 73; no. 6, Feb. 27, 77, and Feb. 25, 79. Nos. 6, 11, and 12 have also been played at the Crystal Palace (Dec. 9. 76; May 17, 79; Apr. 16, 81 respectively); and nos. 2, 9 at the Philharmonic (June 9, 1873; Feb. 23, 1882, respectively).

St. Saëns has adopted the title 'Poèmes symphoniques' for 4 pieces:—

1. Le Rouet d'Omphale.
2. Phaeton.
3. Danse macabre.
4. La Jeunesse d'Hercule.

[ G. ]