Mazeppa—Study Recommendations

Score of the first page of Liszt’s Mazeppa, S.138

Working on a piece with such vast historical and musical significance is a real challenge, but one I think is very much worth it. Here are some of my recommendations for approaching this work so that the final result is a performance that takes into consideration all of its many dimensions.

I would recommend studying Mazeppa in five layers:

1. Read and understand the story
   Read Hugo's poem more than once in order to make sure you have a full understanding of the story so that you know everything that happens.

2. The big picture
   Study the full progression of the music first. Understand the direction in which Liszt is taking the narrative, even before you sit down at the piano to begin studying the actual notes.

3. Study each principal theme 
   Examine each of the principal musical themes, and follow them through from beginning to end. See how they develop, and understand how they change.