Originally composed for piano in the late 1840s, this work was soon converted into orchestral and is one of Liszt's most famous compositions.
In the mid-19th century, there was a rise in cultural and national pride in many European countries as a result of the prior suppression of many ethnic groups by political powers. Hungary was one of those countries previously controlled by the Austrian Empire, where national ideals were beginning to dominate the spirits. Liszt, although having lived abroad for most of his life, continued to love his homeland. He collected a number of folk melodies and created the Hungarian Rhapsodies (19 solo piano works), to honour his Hungarian origins. "Hungarian Rhapsody No 2" opens in a dark mood but then becomes extremely energetic and electrifying, just like folk dances and gypsy music, and urge you to move with the music.