Franz Liszt: Étude in A-Flat Major, S. 137, No. 9 Andantino

The Seeds of Romantic Remembrance

Before Franz Liszt became the ultimate keyboard wizard of the 19th century, he was a fifteen-year-old prodigy finding his creative voice. Published in 1826, his Étude en douze exercices, S. 137, represents the earliest blueprint of what would eventually evolve into the monumental Transcendental Études (S. 139). Among these youthful creations, the Ninth Étude in A-Flat Major (Andantino) stands out as a breathtaking window into the composer’s developing lyricism.

This piece is the direct ancestor of the famous, nostalgic masterwork Ricordanza ("Remembrance"). Hearing it in this early form is like discovering the elegant charcoal sketch that preceded a massive oil painting.

Musical Style and Character

Unlike the thunderous octaves and lightning-fast scales usually associated with Liszt, this Andantino is a masterclass in delicacy, touch, and poetic expression:

Bel Canto Melody: The piece centers on a tender, singing melody (cantabile) that floats gracefully over a fluid, undulating arpeggio accompaniment. It showcases Liszt's innate gift for writing vocal-like lines for the piano.
Warmth of A-Flat Major: Written in the key of A-flat major—historically associated with warmth, love, and dreamlike states—the piece envelops the listener in a gentle, comforting acoustic glow.
Youthful Simplicity: What makes this early version so captivating is its exquisite economy. Lacking the dense, hyper-virtuosic ornamentation of Liszt's later revisions, the pure, unadorned beauty of the melody takes center stage.

Why It Captivates

The appeal of the Andantino lies in its intimacy. It is a quiet, reflective moment of repose that foreshadows the great Romantic nocturnes. Rather than overwhelming the listener with technical fireworks, the young Liszt coaxes a spectrum of colors from the keyboard through subtle shifts in harmony and phrasing.

For the modern listener, this étude offers a rare and charming glimpse into the mind of a young genius—a delicate musical seed that would eventually blossom into one of the greatest masterpieces of the piano literature.