Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano music with Louis Kentner's "Für Elise And Other Piano Favorites." Released in 2014 under the Hungaroton label, this captivating album spans a concise yet impactful 51 minutes, featuring 14 meticulously selected tracks that showcase Kentner's virtuosity and the enduring appeal of these beloved compositions.
The album opens with Mozart's iconic "Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla turca," setting a lively and engaging tone. Kentner's interpretation of Beethoven's "Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59, 'Für Elise'" is a standout, delivering a performance that is both tender and technically precise. The album also includes Schubert's "6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780," featuring the hauntingly beautiful "Moment Musical in F Minor, D. 780, Op. 94, No. 3."
Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15" is another highlight, with the enchanting "Träumerei [Dreaming]" offering a moment of serene reflection. The album also features Chopin's "Waltzes, Op. 64," including the poignant "Waltz No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 64, No. 2, 'Minute'" and the lively "Waltz No. 6 in D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1." Additionally, Chopin's "24 Préludes, Op. 28" is represented by the evocative "Prelude No. 15 in D-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15, 'Raindrop.'"
Kentner's renditions of Chopin's "Études, Op. 10" are particularly noteworthy, showcasing his technical mastery with pieces like "Etude No. 5 in G-Flat Major, Op. 10, No. 5, 'Black Keys'" and the dramatic "Etude No. 12 in C Minor, Op. 10, No. 12, 'Revolutionary.'"
The album concludes with a selection of Liszt's virtuosic works, including "Spinnerlied aus dem Fliegenden Holländer, S. 440/R. 273," "2 Konzertetüden, S. 145" with "No. 1, Waldesrauschen" and "No. 2, Gnomenreigen," and the dazzling "Grandes études de Paganini, S. 141: Grandes Etudes de Paganini, S. 141/R. 3b: No. 3 in G-Sharp Minor, 'La campanella.'"
Louis Kentner's "Für Elise And Other Piano Favorites" is a testament to his artistry and the enduring power of these classical masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
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