Hamlet in two interpretations: Fuseli and Liszt

Abstract

This text analyzes two works inspired by Hamlet, a Henry Fuseli’s painting and a symphonic poem by Franz Liszt, in order to highlight their rela- tionship with the original text. The visual work dedicated to one of the initial scenes portrays the feeling of the frail man facing supernatural powers. Liszt’s orchestral work inspires the listener to imagine scenes, images and moods, and expresses correspondence with the characters’ feelings, especially Hamlet and Ophelia. In addition, the transposition of the formal structure of Shakespeare’s text into the formal structure of the musical piece can be observed.