Liszt: 6 Hungarian Rhapsodies

Track Listings

1. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1

2. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

3. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3

4. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 4

5. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5

6. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6

Editorial Reviews
Gramophone Magazine, feb. 2003
Fiery Liszt playing... Warmly recommended.

Tracks:

No. 3 C Sharp Minor, Op.39: Scherzo No. 3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
Rhapsody, Op.79: No.1 Agitato In B Minor
Rhapsody, Op. 79: No. 2 Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro In G Minor
Toccata, Op. 11
Jeux D'Eau: Tres doux
Barcarole In F Sharp Major, Op. 60
Hungarian Rhapsody No.6: Tempo Giusto - Presto - Andante - Allegro - Presto
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Lento assai - Allegro energico
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Grandioso
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Cantando espressivo
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Pesante - Recitativo
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Andante sostenuto
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Quasi Adagio
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Allegro energico
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Piu mosso
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Cantando espressivo senza slentare
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Stretta quasi Presto -- Presto -- Prestissimo
Sonata For Piano In B Minor: Andante sostenuto - Allegro moderato - Lento assai

Amazon.com essential recording

Classical music people, critics in particular, have a reputation for being grumpy, and this disc illustrates why. It's called Martha Argerich Debut Recital. Now, what does this tell you about it? Nothing, that's what. And the title isn't even correct! Actually, there's more material here than appeared on her debut recital, not the least of which is a stunning Liszt Sonata in B minor, which is the major work on the disc. When one of the two or three greatest living pianists turns in a performance of a major work like the Liszt Sonata that has been generally acclaimed, you would think that her record company would somehow get that piece of news into the title of the recording. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

WOW! Absolutely stunning!.......2007-01-16

I just bought this disc and was blown away by it. It was everything I thought it would be and then some. It has to be one of the great piano recital CDs of all time. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this.

Undeniably Argerich.......2006-11-08

Any one interested in knowing how piano should be played and can be played should get this CD. When I first heard the CD, I was surprised already by her debut recital Argerich has mastered such a distinctive style. I must disagree with the reviewer below who describe this as not imaginative, for nothing could be further from the truth. Argerich's playing is clearly her own, and no one else's. If one wants to hear a technically perfect but emotionally empty playing of Chopin, many of the newer artists would happily fill that bill. And for the record, Horowitz can make plenty of mistakes too, but that doesn't take the charm away from listening to his playing.
That being said, this is one of the most turbulent, drenching rendition of Chopin there is. I love it.

You have to listen to this Lizst sonata.......2006-07-05

Before this performance I thought that I did not like the sonata because no other pianist could keep its many parts and segments together from the beginning to the end. This is the only performance that does that for me. When I listened to it for the first time, I broke up in tears. Argerich's interpretation is mezmerizing. Buy it! Any serious music collector should have this CD.

Unbelievably Amazing..........2006-06-16

I've never paid attention to the Liszt Sonata until I heard this recording. I canNOT BELIEVE some people are calling her without soul or "muddy"... This is the single most inspiring and shocking CD. Really gives you chills when you listen to it. Makes your heart beat faster.

Is that Liszt's great Sonata?.......2005-10-12

No words! Just a simple, superfast read of Liszt's masterpiece, no soul, no ritardandos, nothing. Only supersonic playing, full of virtuosity and bravura in "virtuoso parts", mere exercise in others. That is what people call "cirkus Liszt"! Horrible!

Average customer rating:

A Joy to Hear!
Musical Perfection of the First Order!
Rhapsodies to snap you out of your doldrums
Pity the poor piano!
An Excellent 20th Century Piano Player

Liszt: 10 Hungarian Rhapsodies

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata
Brahms: Hungarian Dances Nos. 1-21
Liszt: Favourite Piano Works
Liszt: Piano Concertos; Totentanz; Hungarian Fantasy
Dvorak: Slavonic Dances

ASIN: B00005AVML
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.2 in c#
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.6 in D flat
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.8 in f#
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.9 in E flat 'Carnival In Pest'
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.10 in E
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.11 in a
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.12 in c#
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.13 in a
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.14 in f
Hungarian Rhaps, S.244: No.15 in a

Customer Reviews:

A Joy to Hear!.......2006-06-19

Most people are familiar with at least Rhapsody 2 from watching Warner Brothers' cartoons, if for no other reason. That delightful piece is included but there is so much more! This is a wonderful album to enjoy.

Among my favorites is the short but delightful number 11 in A minor. It is a joy to hear but, then again, all of these are.

Do not expect orchestral arrangements. This is for the piano by itself.

Listen and enjoy!

Musical Perfection of the First Order!.......2006-01-11

I've heard many Hungarian Rhapsodies and basically bought this CD
to see if he could outdo Horowitz's performance of the #2 Rhapsody. But after buying it, I realized Horowitz dressed up the original score to create the ultimate Hungarian Rhapsody #2, namely his own. He engineered a truely mind-boggling Showpiece. But to my knowledge, he didn't create a more complex variation with any other of Liszt's works. However, I now truly believe and feel (literally) after hearing Cziffra, that he wins first prize in regard to absolute mastery on all levels for these 10 Rhapsodies choosen to be recorded. And why not? He's playing from his soul literally, being that his parents were both Hungarian gypsies. In the excellent linear notes is written the following - "More succinctly, for Marcel Dupre, Cziffra was 'la reincarnation de Liszt'". I don't doubt that for a moment.

Rhapsodies to snap you out of your doldrums.......2005-10-26

Don't listen to much classical anymore, but this was
one of the uptempo, renegade pieces that always satisfied.

Pity the poor piano!.......2005-10-25

Cziffra plays these pieces as if they had to bring in a new piano between each one. Percussive? My God, he's playing with a sledgehammer.

Cziffra makes a joke of these pieces. This becomes evident when listening to others play them, particularly Szidon and Hofmann.

I know that Cziffra can be restrained; he plays Liszt's piano concertos beautifully. Why he chose to takes these so lightly I'm not sure.

An Excellent 20th Century Piano Player.......2005-05-01

Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies have never sounded better than on this CD. Georges Cziffra was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th Century, and it is proven on this CD. On this CD, Cziffra performs Rhapsodies 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. He performs each piece with his trademark brillant technique, and virtuoso skill. While listening to this CD, you can hardly believe the skills of this man; a man who was imprisoned and tortured by the Communists in power in Hungary after World War II. After hearing each piece, espically Rhapsodies 2,3,and 15, you really feel that he deserved the "Choc du Monde de la Musique" award for this CD.

Average customer rating:

Very good BUT....Improv in Liszt??
Liszt presented in all his magnificence
Lisztmania
Vital; impeccable; a treasure trove
Good - but where's the poetry?

The Best Of Liszt

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Liszt: Favourite Piano Works
Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata
Liszt: 10 Hungarian Rhapsodies
Liszt: The Complete Etudes

ASIN: B0000041D2
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Die Loreley
Hungarian Rhapsody No.11 In A Minor: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11 In A Minor
Harmonies poetiques et religieuses: No. 7 Funerailles
Schwanengesang: No. 1 Liebesbotschaft
Annees de pelerinage: Premiere annee: No. 4 Au bord d'une source
3 Etudes de Concert: No. 3 Un sospiro
Liebestraum No. 3 In A flat
Etudes d' execution transcendante: No. 3 In G Sharp Minor 'La campanella'
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 In C Sharp Minor
3 Etudes de Concert: No. 2 La leggierezza
Annees de pelerinage: Troisieme annee: No. 4 Les jeux d'eaux a la Villa d'Este

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Fantasia On The Waltz from Gounod's 'Faust'
Valse oubliee No. 1 In F Sharp
Valse oubliee No. 2 In A Flat
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13 In A Minor
Annees de pelerinage: Premiere annee: No. 6 Vallee d'Obermann
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 14 In F Minor
Annees de pelerinage: Premiere annee: No. 7 Eglogue
Widmung
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 In D Flat

Customer Reviews:

Very good BUT....Improv in Liszt??.......2005-08-24

I find for the most part this is an excellent recording and "La Campanella" is breakthaking in its rhythmic dynamics and especially in the upper keyboard trills that are so much a part of this piece's intense virtuosity. I wish someone would reissue Gary Graffman's long out-of-print recording of this piece. I recall it being the best I ever heard.
Where I have serious reservations is in Dichter's playing of the etude "Un Sospiro". I am open to being corrected but where in the world did he come up with the insertion of a 4 or 5 bar improvisation before the recapitulation of the theme? I've never heard that before. But for overall GRAND Liszt playing, I agree with the on-line reviewers-nothing beats the Jorge Bolet recordings.

Liszt presented in all his magnificence.......2005-01-03

There are a ton of great, well-known pieces on this 2-CD set, and it's a fantastic deal! Very beautiful in all respects except that, I agree with the reviewer below--the DB range of playing is not as wide or dynamic as it should be. It would be better if it was a bit HARDER and more powerful!--this is essential for the passion and intensity that Liszt created. Also, Mephisto Waltz seems to have been shortened. But all in all, good collection at a good price.

Lisztmania.......2004-06-01

This Phillips label compact disc presents us with many fine works for piano by the incredible Franz Liszt (1811-1886) who together with Frederic Chopin revolutionzed the piano for the 19th century. On here are the Mephisto Waltz, Hungarian Rhapsodies No. 1-12, Etudes, Valses and transcriptions from Paganini's La Campanella and the Waltz from Gounod's opera Faust.
I like to think that the first cd, tracks 1-10 represents the softer side of Liszt. His friendship with Frederic Chopin influenced his lighter, romantic and nocturnal type of music, which are found in such works as Schwanengesang (Swan Song) "Un Sospiro" and Les Jeux D'Eux A La Villa D'Este. The second cd, tracks 1-10 represent some of the more dramatic and intense works for piano, among them the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C Sharp Minor, which opens the second cd. The work has been orchestrated, it's polyphonic festive mood has been used in the Looney Tunes cartoons. It is meant to describe the folk dancing of Hungary. The Fantasia on the Waltz from Gounod's Faust is incredibly demanding and sweeping, beautiful in this rendition. All the works are performed by the piano artist Misha Dichter. Although to be quite honest, this is not the best of Franz Liszt per se. It only provides us with high quality piano works. But Liszt was more than a radical new pianist, he was also a fine orchestral conductor. He invented the symphonic poem, or tone poem, which was greatly used in the 19th century, influencing such composers as Tchaikovsky, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Why did'nt they have Liszt's great symphonic poems the Dante Symphony and the Faust Symphony ? Also the Dance Of Death Totentanz should have been here, also his fantastic piano concerto. These days, it's hard to find a great interpreter of Franz Liszt. So much of his music is out of this world. It feels like only an octupus with millions of hands and fingers would aptly play his complex, multi-melodic score.

Vital; impeccable; a treasure trove.......2002-10-17

I've lived with this CD, and similar Liszt CD's by artists of equal fame, for at least two years. My admiration -- my gratitude -- for this one rises with each listening. I believe that Liszt would be very grateful for these performances, could he hear them. It is difficult to imagine a pianist serving a composer more thoroughly than Dichter does here. There is no careless note, yet no faltering in momentum or vitality. Dichter has mastered the music, yet remains its servant. His performances of the few meditative pieces on this CD are as impeccable as his work on the many bravura ones; deeply felt, and tastefully expressed. This seems a treasure house to me; its length is 145 minutes. The engineers have depressed or compressed the dynamic range, I think; there is not enough difference between piano and forte for my taste... I am perhaps equally fond of Philips' 2-disc edition of Liszt's Annees de Pelerinage I-III, performed by Brendel and Kocsis, 289-462-312-2. Philips' 2-disc edition of Lizts's etudes, with Arrau and Magaloff, is of less interest to me at this time; I suppose this is my reaction to the compositions themselves.

Good - but where's the poetry?.......2001-05-11

A very good and recommended recording. The only thing I miss is more lyricism. Traditionalists may argue that lyricism has little place in Liszt, but look and listen! There are lots of beautiful melodic passages that need carefull attention to phrasing and tone. It would make this recording milder and sweeter to the ear. But as far as the virtuosity is concerned, no complaints. But don't forget, you can only be flashy for so long before it gets dull....!

Average customer rating:

sonic and musical spectacular!
Dance for days!!
Dorati In His Prime
Dorati In His Prime

Liszt & Enesco Rhapsodies No. 1

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody no 2
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Bizet: Carmen Suite; Arlésienne Suites Nos. 1 & 2; Thomas: Mignon & Raymond Overtures

ASIN: B0000057KX
Release Date: 1991-05-10

Tracks:

Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1, Op. 1
Hungarian Rhapsody No.1 In F Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 In D Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3 In D Major
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 4 In D Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5 In E Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 In D Major

Amazon.com

The most famous Hungarian Rhapsody is No. 2--the one that had Bugs Bunny chasing a mouse up and down the keyboard of his piano. However, if you like No. 2, you'll like the rest of them. There are about 16 in all, but only these six also exist in orchestral versions, and they sound very different from the piano originals. Antal Dorati is simply unbeatable in music like this: he keeps everything moving in an exciting fashion, gets a disciplined response from the orchestra, and knows the music like the back of his hand. Mercury's recording is close-up and colorful, much like the music itself. This is pure fun, no more, no less. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

sonic and musical spectacular!.......2005-08-20

This must have been one of the most spectacular recordings of the early stereo period, when they were striving for effect. I don't know enough to say whether the orchestration is authentic, but the record is worth the price for the cembalom sounds alone. A friend listened to it with me and remembered getting the Second Rhapsody as a promotion as a child. It started him on a life-long love of classical music. I too remember the cover, but my entry-point was probably Offenbach and Suppe. Anybody out there remember a 78 of Suppe's Fatinitza, backed by Toselli's Rimpianto? The madeleine of music. John Keane

Dance for days!!.......2002-10-23

These rhapsodies bubble over with foot-tapping dance rhythms, contagiously jovial melodies, sensuous gypsy tunes, and an incredible endless array of striking ORCHESTRAL COLOR. Liszt's flair for such intense and specific coloration with his piquant harmonies and orchestration make these pieces irresitable in the hands of ANY conductor.

However, in Dorati's hands, a ballet master, the dance truly lives in every bar. Muscular, controlled, yet allowing for the written-in zany-ness inherent in each rhapsody. Also, again his gutty strings coupled with Mercury's "front-row-seat" sound really make for thrilling experiences. (as in the opening bars of number 4 on the disc: WOW!)

Those who buy this CD for the popular Rhapsody 2 (from Tom and Jerry and other various cartoons) will be delighted to know that you will soon fall in love with EVERY rhapsody on here. They all have their own unique character, but are comprised of those same essential elements of anything so purely likable and fun. The Enesco Rhapsody which begins the CD is another one which I am thankful to be introduced to- poignant, tender, and later racous and brutishly energetic.

You will not be displeased with this. Beware the contagious nature though, you may find yourself singing and dancing to these on the inside all day!

Dorati In His Prime.......2000-12-02

When I want a CD to play for friends who are non-classical, I pick this one. What fun! Dorati is indeed in his element with this music, particularly the Enescu work. This is music accessible to people of all musical persuasions.

Of course, the Living Presence technique of recording only enhances the beauty of Dorati's performance. Convincing argument for the analog crowd!

Dorati In His Prime.......2000-12-02

Tracks:

Lento Quasi Recitativo - Andante Con Moto - Andante (Assai Moderato) - Quasi Improvvisato - Andatino - Piu Lento - Allegro Animato - Piu Moderato - Allegro Risoluto
Lento A Capriccio - Andante Mesto - Vivace - Tempo Giusto , Vivace - Prestissimo
Andante - Allegretto - Andante
Quasi Adagio, Altieramente - Andatino - Allegretto - Presto
Lento, Con Duolo
Tempo Giusto - Presto - Andante - Allegro - Presto
Lento (Gypsy Style) - Vivace
Lento A Capriccio - Sempre Lento Malinconico Assai Allegretto Con Grazia - Presto Giocoso Assai
Moderato - Sempre Moderato A Capriccio - Allegretto - Andante - Finale: Presto - Un Poco Meno Presto - Allegretto - Presto - Piu Animato - Allegro Moderato - Presto

Amazon.com

Not all of the Liszt Hungarian Rhapsodies are flat-out showpieces like the best-known ones, so this disc makes for a better listening program than you might expect. And Jénö Jandó, who must be the hardest-working pianist in the recording business, has a real flair for this music. He plays with the combination of free rhythms and virtuosity that the music demands, and he even indulges in a bit of improvisation when the spirit moves him. This was probably something Liszt did himself, and other great Liszt interpreters such as Rachmaninov and Cziffra have done the same thing. Jandó doesn't quite have Cziffra's overwhelming virtuosity, but he plays musically and the result is a highly entertaining disc. We've heard better-sounding piano recordings, but for the price this is amazing. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Jando infuses the Rhapsodies.......2006-07-06

With the 12th Volume of the Naxos Complete Piano Music of Liszt, Jeno Jando returns to create an invigorating and fiery rendition of Liszt's masterpieces. Here the first 9 Hungarian Rhapsodies are given an amazing interpretation of passion and intelligence. Although I've reviewed the previous Naxos Liszt CD's, this was one of my first CD's of Liszt's music I ever heard. I bought this along with the Vol. 2 of Naxos' Liszt music (the Transcendental Etudes). That was over a year ago and to this day after all my excavations into Cziffra, Bolet, Brendel, Howard, Bermann et al, I've always come back to this CD; it's one of my favorite CD's that I own. Maybe it's the nostalgia of my first listening experience with Liszt, but maybe it's also the technical mastery and full-blooded performance that Jando gives which brings me back.

For those unfamiliar with Liszt's rhapsodies, you must get this CD. Just as the Beethoven beginner starts with symphonies or piano sonatas, or the Chopin initiate with the etudes or nocturnes, these Hungarian Rhapsodies from Liszt are a staple of his compositions. Every one of them is good. I don't even want to rate them because each one is extremely unique, original, and inspired by that characteristic Gypsy rondo/dance/rhythm that other composers (Brahms for instance) also used in their compositions. But unlike Brahms, Liszt's use of gypsy music can never be rivaled in creating such an oustanding and dazzling effect of piano sound. Liszt the orchestrator is fully comprehended after you hear his manipulations and sound effects. The music ranges from morbidly dark and hopeless to a jubilant scherzo-like, sometimes demonic dance. These are outstanding masterworks of the piano. Like the Paganini-Etudes, they reshaped the possibilities of the piano.

If you're already familiar with the rhapsodies then I can't give much better advice except that if you're already attached to a beloved pianist's interpretation, you might not relinquish it for Jando. But that shouldn't stop you from hearing what his takes might be. His rendering of the HR 2 is not my favorite, but his 3, 5, 7, and 8 are the best I've heard. The last one, 9, is also hair-raising. The sound quality is crisp and for those who may have read rumors of Jando's frequent humming (like Gould before him) don't be alarmed here. I blast these rhapsodies loudly in my house and in my car and never hear anything except titanic powerhouse and arousing piano music from Liszt.

Bottom line: Liszt beginners indulge yourself here. Here is some of his finest piano music at a very low price.

Hungarian Vol1 Review.......2005-07-19

Liszt is always a good time, but I think this CD lacks a little in the feeling category. It is a very helpful tool to discover what the piece sounds like when all the notes are hit, which is good for musicians such as myself, where it can take a while to get an idea of how the song should go. This CD leaves the interpretation arena open, however, because I think Jando focuses mainly on getting it right (and pretty much perfect) instead of how he feels about what he's playing.

Brilliant!.......2000-01-23

I own four recordings of the complete rhapsodies, including the
Cziffra mentioned above, and this (Vol. 13 completes the set) is by
far my favorite. Two qualities stand out here--the pianist's obvious
love and enjoyment of what he is playing, and his clear sense of the
"story" that each piece tells. Several of the
infrequently-heard rhapsodies have here a distinct character that, to
me at least, "makes sense" for the first time. Jando's
improvisations are always intelligent and convincing (whereas I find
Szidon's rather weird and his playing rather muddy), and his reading
of #12 is especially moving. The sound quality is also brilliant, and
of course at the price the CD's are a steal.

A brilliant recording with both Lisztian flair and subtlety.......1999-08-24

Once again listeners are treated to one of the world's most talented pianists, Jénö Jandó, with yet another outstanding performance - again at "discount price". Jandó elegantly manages to recite the Hungarian Rhapsodies with an incredible amount of skill, masterful interpretation, professionalism, and virtuosity alike. Every recording Jénö Jandó has made for Naxos has been of the highest standard, and it is clear that Jandó has no intention of lowering those standards. Espescially to Liszt-admirers, this recording will raise the levels of adrenaline in the blood!

Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1-6 [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Fun Music Wonderfully Recorded
I love the Rhapsodies

Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1-6 [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Respighi: Ancient Dances and Airs for Lute Suites 1, 2 & 3 [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0007YP0TU
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Roumanian Rhapsody No.1, Op.11
Hungarian Rhapsody No.1 In F Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 In D Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No.3 In D Major
Hungarian Rhapsody No.4 In D Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No.5 In E Minor 'Heroide Elegiaque'
Hungarian Rhapsody No.6 In D Major 'Carnival In Pesth'

Customer Reviews:

Fun Music Wonderfully Recorded.......2006-10-11

It may sound like a broken record, to use the old analogue cliche, but you can almost never go too far wrong on these Mercury reissues. In this case whatever the limitations of the repetoire itself, there is little to fault with the performances. Other excellent CDs of this music would be found under Ormandy (surprise - he's Hungarian!) and Karajan.
All these selections were recorded in 1960 and 1963 in London, and the bloom off this CD makes a mockery of 40 plus years of the so-called latest advances' in recording. The music calls to mind the dark red Hungarian wine, "Bulls Blood" and the heavy sour cream dishes so beloved by the natives. Mix in the ever present love of gypsy music and the gypsy virtuosi and you have a pretty good idea of what sort of colorful and over rich orchestra program you have in store. The cover accurately captures the whirling, dizzing excitement this music attains.
Original instrument fans please note - this music is played on original instruments - original late 19th century ones - and it sounds wonderful!

I love the Rhapsodies.......2005-07-20

I purchased this CD to help me fill out my collection of classical favorites. It did not disappoint. I am not a musician but the music sounds real good to me.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1, 2, 3

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1, 2, 3

Manufacturer: Cala Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000K2Q7RI
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Average customer rating:

Thrilling!
Exotic Gypsy Music
Fresh, Exciting Performances of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies

Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Brahms: Hungarian Dances
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Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies
Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in Am; Danse macabre Op40

ASIN: B000007N5L
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 1 In F Minor
Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 2 In D Minor
Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 3 In D Major
Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 4 In D Minor
Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 5 In E Minor
Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 6 In D (Pester Karneval)

Customer Reviews:

Thrilling!.......2006-05-05

This is very probably the most exciting performance that's ever been accorded Liszt's Rhapsodies. There is an improvisational feeling throughout and some obvious ad libitum passages that add to this feeling. The first time you hear the wild ascending scale in the clarinet at the end of Rhapsody No. 1, you wonder, "What's going on here?" But the answer is obvious: Gypsy spirit. It helps that Ivan Fischer has a first-rate, highly responsive body of players at his disposal, but he is clearly the guiding light in the proceedings and should be given all credit for jazzing up what often become work-a-day warhorses in performance.

The recording is equally lively, but I wish the engineers had backed off just a bit. The in-your-face perspective gets tiring after a bit, and more air around the musicians would have relieved the claustrophobia. On the other hand, some will think the performances and recording go hand in glove. And I could see their point. At any rate, the performances are so enlivening that any quibbles about the sonics are almost beside the point.

Incidentally, for a more traditional but no less compelling reading (with much warmer sound), try Masur and Leipzig, also from Philips. These two recordings make perfect foils for one another.

Exotic Gypsy Music.......2006-02-07

Franz Liszt was a well-known virtuoso pianist who was proud of his Hungarian lineage; the use of his Hungarian name, Ferenc, is evidence of this. He composed 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies for solo piano, evoking the music of Hungarian gypsies, and performance-wise, are quite virtuosic. Later he arranged six of the rhapsodies for orchestra (Brahms orchestrated his four-hand piano Hungarian Dances, and to some degree we can include Dvorak's Slavonic Dances in the comparison), but unlike Brahms, the rhapsodies tend to be more emotionally wrought and outlandish, rather than classically influenced.

Various simple techniques of composition are used to create a "gypsy" sound. The most evident is the constant, and often, sudden shifts of mode, usually major and minor. The influence of dance is apparent in all of these works, and the cadenza ad libitums give an improvised folk feel, as well as the occasional acceleration to the ends of the rhapsodies, a breathless folk influence. The first orchestral rhapsody (Piano Rhapsody 14) begins with a funeral march in a gloomy minor key; an exultant, heroic theme in major takes over, but the work ends in a playful dance with various stops and starts, but once it gets going, the minor vs. major mode shifts are really visualized. The Second Rhapsody corresponds to the same piano numbered rhapsody, now made famous through cartoons. A slow minor dance, which seems exotic, of not a little dirty, opens the rhapsody, but a vivace segue leads to the riotous scherzo; many modulations are only a part of the outrageous, extroverted chaos of the reeling finale. A pompous march in major starts the Third Rhapsody (No. 6 for piano) with a brief feature for the orchestra sections on a fanfare theme. A forlorn clarinet recitative and violin solo put some wringing emotion into the rhapsody, but a cheery, bouncy, light dance leads to a presto ending full of vim and vigor. Bitter proclamations from unison brass open Rhapsody No. 4 (Piano version 12) leading to a stately brass chorale and a unique string chorale. A dainty woodwind dance enters, and the two ideas fight for prominence throughout the work. The Fifth Rhapsody (also No. 5 for piano) exhibits a dolorous mood featuring low strings in great yearning, contrasted by a slow, major-mode pastoral melody, but all ends in sorrow and melancholy. The final rhapsody, subtitled "Carnival in Pest" (No. 9 for piano) begins with a slow, but hopeful tone in preparations for the carnival. A rustic, lumbering dance follows with solo trumpet, but eventually the dance becomes more and more industrious until it becomes a full rousing dance. The finale is a fantasy of sorts, combining many textures and tempos, with radical modulations; the grand conclusion is heralded by huge brass statements and a triumphant close.

Ivan Fischer has attempted to create a more "authentic" gypsy sound in these works instead of a traditional concert stage approach. Often incorporating ad libitum cadenzas for virtuoso violin, clarinet, and flute, he encourages his authentic gypsy soloists to improvise. The addition of cimbalom players (a sort of dulcimer/autoharp instrument occasionally heard in Kodaly) give the works a unique flavor. Fischer also asks for an ensemble timbre that is a bit rawer, especially in the strings and winds, as well as adding appropriate slides/glissandi to notes, giving a folk sound that is a bit rough around the edges. Fischer also stretches beats occasionally, adding and subtracting time for an anticipatory feeling, and takes liberties combining facets from the piano version and orchestrated version. The effect is excellent. The Budapest Festival Orchestra is passionate playing the music, never out of control, but a frenzied spontaneity exists. Dynamics, articulation, and style is looked at carefully for dramatic flair; the solo cadenzas are impressive, and the experience is awesome. The Philips sound is also a good full and vibrant sound. There are no other modern recordings of all the orchestrated rhapsodies (save Mehta and the Israel SO on Sony) to speak of really, so, for pure, unadulterated fun, this 60-minute CD is a good purchase to some bristling, energetic music.

Fresh, Exciting Performances of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies.......2002-03-07

Ivan Fischer and his Budapest Festival Orchestra yield yet another artistic triumph in these vividly fresh, exciting performances of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies; those which were orchestrated from the original versions for the piano. Fischer not only does a great job leading his orchestra, but also is a fascinating musical archaeologist comparable to the likes of Harnoncourt. He adds a couple of classic Gypsy musicians to play along with the orchestra in several rhapsodies. Admittedly this is an expensive CD to acquire, but it contains the most exhilirating interpretations of Liszt's orchestrated versions of his Hungarian Rhapsodies I've heard on CD. Of course the sound quality is superb.

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Glorious!
Continued Enjoyment of Hungarian Classics

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Dvorak: Slavonic Dances
Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies
Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra, Don Juan / Karajan

ASIN: B0000026Q6
Release Date: 1989-09-13

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1
Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3
Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 4
Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5
Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 'The Carnival Of Pest'

Customer Reviews:

Glorious!.......2006-12-06

In an exuberant performance conducting the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Zubin Mehta offers this recording as a work of joy. Many people may know the work of Franz Liszt only through the overabundant (but appropriate) use of Rhapsody number 2 in many of the old Warner Bros. cartoons. There is so much more to offer and this recording makes that offering.

The orchestra captures the various moods from brooding to manic bordering on insane. They are expressive and the result is an exercise in joy.

Continued Enjoyment of Hungarian Classics.......2001-01-30

I can't recall at all how I came to purchase this. Likely, heard it on classical FM listening and then found and tried. Have played it often.

Tracks:

Sonata For Piano In B Minor
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
Sonata For Piano No. 2 In G Minor
Rhapsody Op. 79 - No. 1 In B Minor
Rhapsody Op. 79 - No. 2 In G Minor

Customer Reviews:

One of the Bests.......2007-03-20

Argerich gives a great interpretation of Liszt B-moll sonata. One of the Bests.I still like Pollini performance better. A great Bargain from DG.

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1. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1
2. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
3. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3
4. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 4
5. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5
6. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6