Franz Liszt: 12 Grandes Études, S. 137

No. 7 in E-flat major, Allegro deciso

The Apex of Romantic Virtuosity

Before Franz Liszt revolutionized the piano world with his famous Transcendental Études (S. 139) of 1851, he published an earlier, far more formidable version in 1837: the 12 Grandes Études, S. 137. Among these, No. 7, Allegro deciso—the precursor to the celebrated "Eroica"—stands as a monument to sheer physical bravura and symphonic imagination.

While the later version is more frequently performed, S. 137 offers a rare, untamed glimpse into Liszt’s youth, where the limits of the piano were pushed beyond their absolute breaking point.

What to Listen For:

• The Heroic Call to Arms: The piece opens with a proud, march-like introduction. It demands immediate attention with its declamatory rhythm, setting a theatrical and defiant stage.
• Orchestral Textures: Liszt does not treat the piano merely as a keyboard instrument, but as a substitute for a full romantic orchestra. Listen for the rapid, brass-like chordal fanfares, sweeping string-like arpeggios, and heavy timpani-like octaves in the lower register.
• A Tapestry of Technical Terror: Behind the noble melody lies a dense thicket of technical challenges. Rapid-fire double octaves, sudden leaps across the keyboard, and intricate inner-voice counterpoint make this version a thrilling high-wire act for the pianist.
• The Core Theme: The central, heroic theme in E-flat major (a key traditionally associated with nobility and Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony) rises triumphantly through the dense texture, fighting its way to a glorious, thundering climax.

Why This Piece Captivates

The Allegro deciso of S. 137 is not just a study in mechanics; it is a dramatic narrative of struggle and triumph. By choosing the more complex 1837 version, the performer invites the listener into a storm of raw, uncompromised Romanticism. It is a thrilling display of musical fireworks, where intellectual grandeur meets the absolute peak of 19th-century pianistic ambition.