The purpose of this study is to analyse Franz Liszt’s piece Vallée d’Obermann and to explain both the several incidents in Liszt’s own life which have influenced the piece and the role of de Senancour’s novel Obermann which was an important inspiration for the piece. I have come to the conclusion that especially in a narrative piece like this, which is linked to the life of its composer and has an important literary source, studying the information in detail gives necessary tools for a deep understanding of the piece for its performer. I believe that this can lead to an interpretation of the piece, which pays more respect to its composer and can afterwards give more freedom to the interpreter in creating a unique interpretation since the crucial background information is learned and the interpretation itself is created while aware of the sources of the composition.