Cantico di San Francesco

Franz LisztS.499

RomanticSpecialistromanceE majorAndante4/4~6 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 9ABRSM 7

About this piece

Cantico di San Francesco is a late-period Liszt composition that emphasizes simplicity and meditative reflection. It is less virtuosic than his earlier works, prioritizing depth and harmonic ambiguity.

Teacher notes

Focus on the subtle control of dynamics and tone color to sustain interest in a slow, meditative tempo.

Technical focus

cantabilepedalingvoicing

Mood

contemplativetendergentle

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Cantico di San Francesco

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Cantico di San Francesco (S.499) by Franz Liszt?

Cantico di San Francesco (S.499) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.

What level do I need to play Cantico di San Francesco?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Cantico di San Francesco?

A typical performance of Cantico di San Francesco (S.499) lasts about 6 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Cantico di San Francesco?

Cantico di San Francesco (S.499) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Cantico di San Francesco?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Ave Maria in G by Franz Liszt, Ave Maria IV, Solo piano by Franz Liszt, Albumblätter für Prinzessin Marie von Sayn-Wittgenstein by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.