Orpheus is one of 12 symphonic poems composed by Franz Liszt between 1848 and 1858. Liszt regarded these compositions as representing a higher form of musical creation. Their genesis in what he described as a poetic idea allowed him to favour freedom of expression over the constraints of form.The score of 'Orpheus' was first performed on 16 February 1854, under the baton of the composer, as the curtain rose for a production of Gluck's opera 'Orpheus' in Weimar.

It had been inspired in partic...