Immerse yourself in the virtuoso world of Franz Liszt with this captivating piano recital, released on January 1, 2003, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This album is a testament to Liszt's unparalleled skill and musical genius, featuring a selection of his most renowned compositions that showcase his extraordinary range and depth as a pianist and composer.
The recital opens with the powerful and dramatic Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178, a monumental work that demonstrates Liszt's ability to blend technical brilliance with profound emotional expression. The sonata's four movements take the listener on a journey through a spectrum of moods and emotions, from the intense and energetic to the tender and reflective.
Following the sonata, the album presents a selection of Liszt's virtuosic transcriptions and paraphrases, including the dazzling Grandes études de Paganini, S. 141: III. La campanella, a tour de force that showcases Liszt's ability to transform Paganini's violin concerto into a thrilling piano showpiece. The recital also features the enchanting Liebeslied (Widmung), S. 566, and the dreamy Liebestraum No. 3 in A-Flat Major, S. 541/3, which highlight Liszt's lyrical and romantic side.
The album concludes with two more impressive works: the lively Venezia e Napoli, S. 162: Supplément aux années de pèlerinage II: III. Tarantella, and the dramatic Paraphrase de concert sur Rigoletto, S. 434, a dazzling display of Liszt's ability to reinterpret and elevate Verdi's opera themes.
With a total duration of 58 minutes, this Franz Liszt piano recital is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone seeking to experience the extraordinary artistry of one of the greatest pianists and composers in history.