On a somewhat unrelated note, I'm also very fond of Lizst's Un Sospiro (A sigh). The texture is gorgeous!

This is a more unconventional approach to viewing Liebestraum. I know most people prefer to stick with traditional abstract concepts when describing music but I thought I'd try to something different 👍

Anyway to wrap up, I highly recommend listening to this at least three times so you can really get a feel of the atmosphere/emotional landscape that Lizst is trying to communicate to you.

Oh and the ending! I like how Lizst made it seem like the notes were folding inwards and being tucked away rather than receding and fading. It reminds me of cherished memories.

The section at the 3:00 mark is probably my favourite, always hits me in the feels. I also really appreciate that the music isn't overpowering or forceful, but gives you ample space to make your own interpretations.

The main notes ripple outwards, meandering almost like it's searching for an echoing response, then the appegios enter the scene and give the movement more shape, colour and dynamism. The sounds build on top of each other, layering intermingling until it blooms in your chest.

It felt as if Lizst was trying to demonstrate that emotions are never solitary, but come in multiple waves, some small, fleeting, delicate, others loud intense and vivid.

disclaimer these are just my free flowing unedited thoughts:
If I had to choose one defining musical element that moved me, it would have to be the appegios. I love how it interacts and weaves through the main melody.

I feel like to truly accept Evan for who he is, sooner or later, you need to decide if you're actually okay with him placing his ideals above everything else including other people, including friends, including himself, including you (in certain uh extreme cases) 😄😄😄

Is it possible to distinguish between Evan's identity as a leader from who he is as a person? Probably not. Because the longer someone occupies a powerful role, the more it assimilates into their existing personality.

"I don't want you to suffer" vs
"I don't want to take away the right for you to become yourself"

Talking about this has helped really put into perspective the moral weight and responsibility that comes with changing the trajectory of someone's life.

Is giving someone the freedom to choose what to do with their suffering more meaningful than offering healing?

Moreover, would Evan even be receptive to your help? I think healing is an intensely personal decision. Would it be ethical to intervene and disrupt someone's suffering when doing so might save them from pain but violate their autonomy?

I absolutely loathe egomaniacs who feel the need to oppress, bully or belittle other people just because it gives them a quick hit of dopamine. And the fact that there are people justifying and normalising his behaviour wtf? Flora have some self respect.

I didn't sign up for this. I'm just here for the shits and giggles 😭 Sometimes I just want to make casual remarks and random observations, but then brain barges in and goes "Are you sure? Have you considered every detail of the story? The thematic ideas? Character motivations? Blah blah blah..."

This made more sense in my head, but I find it incredibly funny how making offhand comments about stuff can make my brain wake me up in the middle of the night to interrogate me about its logical consistency. Because god forbid I say something casually without considering the broader context.