Grieg: Piano Concerto / Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

György Cziffra, the celebrated Hungarian piano virtuoso, takes center stage in this captivating 2014 album, showcasing his extraordinary prowess and deep connection with the Romantic repertoire. Renowned for his improvisational skills and his affinity for Liszt, Cziffra delivers a powerful interpretation of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124, a work that highlights his technical brilliance and expressive depth. The album also features Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, where Cziffra's nuanced playing brings out the lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity of this Scandinavian masterpiece. Completing the program is Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue, a blend of classical and jazz elements that Cziffra navigates with remarkable flair and virtuosity. Recorded with the Budapest Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Zoltan Rozsnyai, this album offers a glimpse into Cziffra's extraordinary artistry, making it a compelling listen for classical music enthusiasts.

György Cziffra, born in Budapest in 1921, was a Hungarian-French pianist renowned for his extraordinary virtuosity and unique interpretations. A protégé of Ernő Dohnányi, who studied under Liszt's favourite pupil, Cziffra's career spanned the postwar decades, leaving an indelible mark on the European classical music scene. His performances were nothing short of electrifying, often leaving critics awestruck and bewildered by his rapacious technique and profound musicality. Cziffra's repertoire was vast, but he was particularly celebrated for his renditions of Liszt and Chopin. His recordings, such as the complete works of Liszt on EMI France, offer a testament to his artistry and remain essential listening for classical piano enthusiasts. Cziffra passed away in 1994, but his legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century endures.

Grieg: Piano Concerto / Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

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