INTRODUCTION

Liebestraum No. 3 by Franz Liszt the Polish pianist of the 19th century belongs to a larger collection of three piano pieces known as ‘Liebestraum’ or ‘Dreams of Love. The music was actually inspired by a series of 3 poems – two written by Ludwig Ulhand and one written by Ferdinand Freiligath. Of the 3 pieces in the collection this is the most popular and possibly the most difficult on the piano.

Liszt, a virtuoso pianist and composer, is known for his ability to convey profound emotions through his music, and “Liebestraum No. 3” is a quintessential example of his melodic genius and Romantic expressiveness.

Transcribing “Liebestraum No. 3” for classical guitar brings a unique and intimate dimension to this timeless piece. The guitar’s warm, resonant tones lend themselves beautifully to the piece’s flowing melodies and rich harmonies. The transcription retains the original’s lyrical lines and intricate textures, allowing guitarists to explore the full range of the instrument’s expressive capabilities.

“Liebestraum No. 3” stands as a testament to Liszt’s genius in creating music that is both technically challenging and deeply emotive. Its transcription for classical guitar not only preserves the essence of the original composition but also highlights the guitar’s ability to convey profound emotion and intricate musical textures, making it a cherished addition to the classical guitar repertoire.

The version I have made here is an extremely simplified version of the original piano piece and is actually missing some sections of the piece that are arguably more about technical virtuosity. In my mind the most beautiful moments have been captured in this transcription.

Below are a few things to keep in mind when learning and performing this piece:

• Study the right-hand arpeggio shapes without worry about the left-hand fingering

• Build the volume steadily

• Accent the melodic notes with annular finger rest strokes

• Don’t over emphasise the non-melody notes of the arpeggios

Musical Style

Franz Liszt’s musical style is characterized by its virtuosic demands, emotional intensity, and innovative structures. As a leading figure of the Romantic era, Liszt expanded the boundaries of piano technique and expression, pioneering new forms and harmonies. His compositions often feature dramatic contrasts, intricate figurations, and expansive lyrical themes. Liszt’s ability to blend technical brilliance with profound expressiveness made him a transformative figure in music. He was also a master of thematic transformation, often reworking melodies in inventive and complex ways. His works range from deeply introspective pieces to grandiose showpieces, reflecting the breadth of his musical vision.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Franz Liszt:

• Consolations

• Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

• Liebestraum No. 3

• Sonata in B minor

• Totentanz

Let your fingers fly!

Josh

Course Instructor

Joshua Rogers Author

A teacher and lover of all things guitar!