In a sense, Liszt fashioned five versions of this song since he also made baritone renditions of the second version (ca. 1848) and third (ca. 1858). As Liszt mavens may already know, the composer tended to scale down earlier versions of his songs, making them less operatic in character and somewhat reducing the piano's role. With this effort, Vergiftet Sind Meine Lieder (My Songs are Poisoned), that observation holds true for the two later versions, yet the original is just as effective and is often the first choice of many singers—the first choice, that is, when this generally neglected song is performed at all. The work opens with a dramatic short introduction on the piano based on the main theme in the vocal line. Liszt eliminated the introduction in the later versions, as if his "virtuoso" side were turning modest and allowing greater focus on the vocal aspects of the work. In any event, the main vocal line is full of drama and tension throughout, the piano accompaniment adopting the same spirit. The overwrought text, by Heinrich Heine, exudes anger and regret over memories of a past love. This song generally lasts a mere minute-and-a-half.

© Robert Cummings, All Music Guide