Although a Hungarian by birth, Franz Liszt, was not a fluent speaker of his country's language; having spent his youth in France and his middle years in Germany and Austria, the languages of these regions were his true native tongues. Therefore, he greatly preferred them when selecting texts for his vocal compositions. The great majority of Liszt's songs are in fact German lieder, and (although most of them have now fallen out of the repertory) "Es muss ein Wunderbares sein" (It must be a wonderful thing) has remained a favorite with singers.

"Es muss ein Wunderbares sein" has an interesting history: the composer was known to be a fast worker, but he seems to have outdone himself in this instance, having supposedly composed it for Princess Augusta of Prussia during one afternoon in 1852 (between lunch and supper!).

In this composition, Liszt strove to avoid any complications or dramatics, desiring to make the music a simple love song. The text, by Oscar von Redwitz-Schmölz (1823-91), is set with an attractive melody and a relatively uncomplicated piano accompaniment; those pianists interested in the less virtuosic, less dramatic side of the composer will likely find this delightful song to their taste.

Liszt published this piece in 1859, along with others, including In Liebeslust and Lasst mich ruhen.



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