‘The Bells of Strassburg.’--Liszt composed this work (_Die Glocken des Strassburger Münsters_) in 1874 and dedicated it to Longfellow. The text is a mere fragment from this poet’s ‘Christus’--the prologue to ‘The Golden Legend’--and deals with the futile effort of the prince of darkness and his legions, during a furious night tern nest, to cast down the cross surmounting the cathedral tower. The work is written for baritone solo (Lucifer), mixed chorus, and orchestra. It opens with a short prelude entitled ‘Excelsior,’ consisting of this word sung several times by the chorus with ever-increasing power, ending fortissimo. The main movement, called ‘The Bells,’ begins with a ponderous introduction by the bells, trumpets, and horns, after which Lucifer hurls forth his first command, exhorting his band of spirits to tear down the cross. The chorus of spirits (sopranos, altos, and tenors) replies to this (‘Oh, we cannot, for around it’) and then the tenors and basses, representing the bells, sing a Latin chant. These voices continue in the same order, Lucifer’s exhortation and the cry of helplessness from the evil spirits becoming more and more vehement as the chant of the bells ever replies in tones of calm trust in the protecting power. Lucifer’s fourth and last appeal is given with the full strength of voice and orchestra. In the reply of the chorus the female voices unite, producing a fine effect with the first and second tenors. At length Satan, defeated, gives the order to retreat, and the work closes with the Gregorian chant, _Nocte surgentes Vigilemus omnes! Laudemus Deum verum_, given by the combined chorus, organ, and orchestra.