Photo : Marc de Pierrefeu
Concert: The Faust Myth in the Works of Liszt
Piano recital by Rodolphe Menguy, with an opening act by conservatory students
Conservatoire Municipal Jean-Philippe Rameau (Paris 6th)
About
The 19th century saw the rise of program music during its Romantic period, music that was no longer conceived solely for its own sake but guided by extra-musical inspirations, drawing from all the arts.
; Credits: CMA6At the heart of this era lies the myth of Faust, which significantly fueled Germanic poetry and literature, with repercussions for all the great artists of the time. Liszt, a Romantic artist par excellence in his ability to blend genres and diverse inspirations, drew from this legend in many ways. There is, of course, the famous Mephisto Waltz No. 1, which refers directly to Nikolaus Lenau's Faust through one of its episodes, and lends all its virtuosity to that ultimate antagonist, the figure of the Devil. And one cannot evoke the myth without mentioning Johann Wolfgang Goethe's Faust, a major work whose presence seems to loom over the entire construction of the Sonata in B minor, an iconic monument of 19th-century piano literature. While the composer did not indicate a direct reference, many observers subsequently noted reminiscences of Faust. The program also allows us to explore another great aspect of Franz Liszt: that of the transcriber. Obviously for Schubert's Lieder, with another emanation of Faust through the figure of Marguerite, but also for operas, particularly those of Richard Wagner, where we can see his Tannhäuser as a continuation of Faustian themes.
Our take on this event
Prepare to be spellbound as Liszt's dark, romantic masterpieces take center stage. Dive deep into the legendary Faustian myth through the raw power of piano works that push technical brilliance to the limit.
On Saturday, November 28, 2026, the Conservatoire Municipal Jean-Philippe Rameau hosts a musical journey exploring the Faust myth through the works of Franz Liszt. This concert examines how the legendary German figure influenced Romanticism, featuring pieces ranging from the intense Mephisto Waltz No. 1 to the profound Sonata in B minor. Attendees will discover Liszt's dual talent as a virtuoso composer and an innovative transcriber of Schubert and Wagner. The performance is completely free of charge, with entry based on available seating. The venue is wheelchair accessible and adapted for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Join us on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 16:00 to 17:30 at the Conservatoire Municipal Jean-Philippe Rameau in Paris's 6th arrondissement. This concert explores the Faustian myth, a cornerstone of German literature, interpreted through the lens of Franz Liszt's compositions. The program highlights the composer’s ability to bridge different artistic disciplines, showcasing both his original virtuosity and his mastery of transcription.
The repertoire features iconic works such as the Mephisto Waltz No. 1, which draws directly from Nikolaus Lenau’s Faust, and the Sonata in B minor, a monumental piece often associated with the spirit of Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s masterpiece. Additionally, the program covers Liszt’s transcriptions of lieder by Schubert and operatic works by Richard Wagner, such as Tannhäuser, to trace the evolution of these legendary themes.
Attendance is free and subject to space availability. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible and equipped to accommodate deaf or hard-of-hearing guests.
