Liszt: Complete Piano Music 44 – The Early Beethoven Transcriptions

Leslie Howard's "Liszt: Complete Piano Music 44 – The Early Beethoven Transcriptions" is a captivating journey through the intricate and profound transcriptions of Beethoven's symphonies by Franz Liszt. Released on April 1, 1997, under the Hyperion label, this album spans an impressive three hours and twenty-four minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Liszt's early transcriptions.

The album features Howard's meticulous and expressive performances of Liszt's transcriptions of Beethoven's Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Symphonies, as well as other notable works such as "Adelaïde" and "Marche funèbre de la Symphonie heroïque." Howard's technical prowess and deep understanding of the music shine through in these challenging and complex pieces, providing listeners with a unique and intimate perspective on Beethoven's symphonic masterpieces.

In addition to the symphony transcriptions, the album also includes Liszt's fantasies and marches inspired by Beethoven and Berlioz. These pieces showcase Liszt's virtuosic style and his ability to transform orchestral works into compelling solo piano performances. Howard's interpretations are both sensitive and dynamic, capturing the essence of each piece with remarkable clarity and depth.

Leslie Howard's "Liszt: Complete Piano Music 44 – The Early Beethoven Transcriptions" is a testament to the enduring power of Beethoven's music and Liszt's genius in transcription. Howard's performances are nothing short of extraordinary, making this album a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of these two musical titans.