12 Transcendental Etudes

On this CD:

1. Études d'exécution transcendante (12 Transcendental Etudes), for piano, S. 139 (LW A172)
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Aquiles Delle-Vigne

2. Die Trauer-Gondel (La lugubre gondola I), for piano (in 6/8), S. 200/1 (LW A319a) No 1
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Aquiles Delle-Vigne

Tracks:

Liebestraum (Dream Of Love)
Waldesrauschen (Forest Murmurs)
Un sospiro (A Sigh)
Liebesbotschaft (Message of Love)
Widmung (Dedication)
The Maiden's Wish
My Darling
Die Loreley
Au Bord D'Une Source
Harmonies Du Soir
Les Jeux D'Eaux A La Villa D'Este
Sonata In B Minor - Andante Sostenuto
Isolde's Liebestodt

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music for a Romantic Evening.......2005-12-15

The CD insert design of the Set Your Life to Music series might suggest that this is a collection "Classical Lite." However, while this compilation provides some Liszt's most well-known music, these beautiful and deep pieces should not be mistaken for "easy listening." These are wonderful compositions by a great composer, performed by musicians of the highest caliber (especially Claudio Arrau). This is music to close your eyes to while listening to and enjoying every note and every nuance of the performances.

Most of the selections are performed by Claudio Arrau, one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, an acknowledged master of the Liszt repertoire and, furthermore, a pupil of one of Liszt's pupils. Arrau plays these selections with power, passion, sensitivity, and highly nuanced delicacy, depending on what a given passage calls for, as he takes the listener through the rising and falling tides of passion in Liszt's music.

The "non-Arrau" selections recorded by Misha Dichter, Wibi Soerjadi, and Zoltan Kocsis are also excellent. All the recorded selections, whether digital or analog, have very clear sound quality. Highly recommended, whether as an introduction to Lizst or to add to several other CDs of music by this great Romantic composer.

perfect dramatic piano.......2004-05-28

Both Liszt and Arrau are at their apogee in this CD. This is one the few piano cd's I've heard where Liszt's passionate genius is both appropriately frighteningly strong and beautifully tender (as many of his contemporaries noted 150 years ago). Arrau, always thoughtful, and with his emphasis on touch and color, and delicacy, penetrates to the heart of these sometimes breathtakingly orchestral piano sounds. This is lush arch-romantic piano with a huge nuanced sound, and a constant emotional ebb and flow (and sound volume) as powerful than any other composer of that tempestuous era I have heard. The cd is very clearly recorded with excellent dynamics. Every selection is strong and well chosen and the cd sets a very consistent brooding romantic mood. The best introduction to (and still my favorite) Liszt.

Arguably, one of the best classical pianists ever........2001-08-12

As soon as I heard the piano solo, Liebestraume, I immediately purchased this cd particularly because it contains some of the greatest piano pieces ever composed. During Liszt's lifetime, audiences were very appreciative of his talent and ability to express his emotions through the use of his piano. Influenced by Chopin, Franz Liszt ultimately achieved high status as a composer with the ability to play spectacular classical music. Some of the songs included possess titles about nature, and in one of the songs, the piano is played so brilliantly that it feels as if you're actually listening to fountains. Lovers of classical music should purchase this remarkable disc. And best of all, at a low price, this is a great bargain.

Average customer rating:

Is a Lisztian Étude a study?
THE ONE LISZT PIANO DISC TO OWN
Phenomenal technique, beautifully displayed
Pretty Good
My Best Liszt Etudes

Liszt: The Complete Etudes

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Chopin: Etudes

ASIN: B0000041NE
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Prelude. Presto
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Molto vivace
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Paysage. Poco adagio
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Mazeppa. Allegro
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Feux Follets. Allegretto
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Vision. Lento
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Eroica. Allegro
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Wilde Jagd. Presto furioso
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Ricordanza. Andantino
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Allegro agitato molto
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Harmonies du soir. Andantino
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, S. 139: Chasse neige. Andante con moto

Tracks:

3 Etudes de concert, S. 144: 1. Il lamento. Acapriccio - Allegro cantabile
3 Etudes de concert, S. 144: 2. La leggierezza. A capriccio - Quasi allegretto
3 Etudes de concert, S. 144: 3. Un sospiro. Allegro affetuoso
2 Etudes de concert, S. 145: 1. Waldesrauschen
2 Etudes de concert, S. 145: 2. Gnomenreigen
6 Etudes d'execution transcendante d'apres Paganini, S. 140: 1. Il tremolo
6 Etudes d'execution transcendante d'apres Paganini, S. 140: 2. Andantino capriccioso
6 Etudes d'execution transcendante d'apres Paganini, S. 140: 3. La campanella
6 Etudes d'execution transcendante d'apres Paganini, S. 140: 4. Arpeggio
6 Etudes d'execution transcendante d'apres Paganini, S. 140: 5. La chasse
6 Etudes d'execution transcendante d'apres Paganini, S. 140: 6. Th et variations

Amazon.com

No, these aren't really the "complete" Liszt études. The centerpiece to this collection is Claudio Arrau's Transcendental Études, recorded when the pianist was in his early seventies. He brings out the music's breadth and poetry by way of ample rubatos, a rainbow of color, and total avoidance of anything mechanical for its own sake. Conversely, Nikita Magaloff's light-fingered proficiency in the Paganini Études seems rather dry and workaday in comparison. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Is a Lisztian Étude a study?.......2007-03-08

No, of course not. Far from being mere exercises designed to improve one's skills on the piano, Liszt's Études are music in and by themselves.

When they took their first form in 1838, the Paganini Études were pretty much devices for helping the pianist to exceed his own limits as a virtuoso and refine his technique. As Liszt matured as a composer and musician, however, he revised his Études aiming not only at making them sound more musical, but also at rendering them more economical in terms of expression. That's why they stood so well the test of time and sound to our modern/postmodern ears much more daring and original than most of what's been composed after his death. Arrau and Magaloff succeed in presenting the Études as complex, beautiful and exhilarating pieces of music - that's the main reason why this recording should be one of the first recommendations for those who are interested in Liszt's music as an art form rather than a series of pointless tricks and acrobatics on the piano.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly Magaloff's blistering performance of La Campanella. In his hands, the piece is not so much a spiritless exercise in virtuosity resembling the ringing of a bell as a desperate, wild and raging cry for help in a shattering world. As you listen to the music you can almost visualize the world being torn apart. Quite impressive. Pure romanticism, yes, but the most appropriate version of this piece for a 21th century listener.

THE ONE LISZT PIANO DISC TO OWN.......2006-12-21

If you have room in your collection for only one recording of Liszt's
solo piano works (and shame on you for that!), this should certainly be it. Arrau's work is simply magnificent -- a glittering, glistening display of brilliance, accompanied by a depth of feeling, an overwhelming heft, that makes it unique. And Magaloff (of whom, I am ashamed to say, I have not heard before)gives the Paganini transcriptions a crisp and technically superb reading, perhaps without the heft that Arrau is able to convey but still formidable. All in all, this is simply a disc for the ages.

Phenomenal technique, beautifully displayed.......2006-08-30

I just downloaded Kissin's Chasse-neige, the last of these twelve splendid Transcendental Etudes. Kissin, I must point out, is one of my idols, and gave a performance of old Chopin warhorses that left me speechless. I didn't even know these tired pieces could still sound so fresh and new in Kissin's hands. That said, I prefer Arrau's Chasse to Kissin's - somehow the anguish and beauty of this utterly unique etude come through more clearly than in Kissin's temperamental - but technically flawless - interpretation. This description extends to the entire collection of Arrau's Transcendentals. Particularly noteworthy are Mazeppa, Eroica, and the last three, Allegro agitato molto, Harmonies du soir, and of course Chasse-neige. Sure, Liszt wrote some hellaciously difficult stuff, and sure, many of us try to play it well. But in Arrau's hands, we see Liszt emerge as a phenomenal composer, and these technical Everests become works of art. I can't recommend this CD highly enough for those who want to get to know the work of a composer who changed the face of piano composition forever. Liszt is Romanticism taken to an extreme, I'll confess, but Arrau makes sure it's a daring and beautiful one.

And standing in the middle of a snowfall with Chasse-neige playing is an experience everyone should have sometime in his or her life. It makes perfect sense when you do it, but not until...

Pretty Good.......2005-03-18

As you can see from previous reviews, these CDs do not contain the definitive recordings for each and every etude, but its the best you can get for a complete set, which is hard to find anyway. Quite good if you would like all of the etudes, which is nice to have. Sound quality is decent.

My Best Liszt Etudes.......2005-02-02

My best Liszt Etudes so far. I have bought two of them, one as a gift to a friend. And years later, I have bought Arrau's Heritage album which consists also of these etudes.

Some people may find Arrau's Beethoven or even his Brahms authentic, others may find some of his Beethoven sonatas boring, however inspired they may be. But with his Liszt, there is no way that one will ever get bored: under Arrau's fingers, the etudes sound more like symphonies and tonal poems. They may not be stunning, but they are sublime and so thrilling that they actually reminds you, in different ways, of almost all Liszt's ups and downs.

I never like Bolet, let alone Kissin. For fascination, people may like to try Cziffra as well. But it is nothing like Arrau's Liszt at all. It is not clear if the inclusion of Magaloff is a coincidence. But he is well worth of our time, and we don't have a lot of his recordings anyway. Viewers might as well treat it as a bonus.

Average customer rating:

Ethereal LIszt in Superb Sound
A great collection of Liszt treasures
An excellent collection of Liszt interpretations.
Liszt for the ages.

Liszt: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Works for Solo Piano
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ASIN: B00005ND3L
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 In C-Sharp Minor
Liebestraum No.3
Mephisto Waltz No.1
Funerailles (No.7 Of Harmonies Poetiques Et Religieuses)
Rigoletto: Conc Paraphrase
La Campanella

Tracks:

Die Forelle
Der Muller Und Der Bach
Wohin?
Lebe Wohl!
Das Wandern
Der Lindenbaum
Horch, Horch, Die Lerch
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen
Die Post
Aufenthalt
Lob Der Tranen
Erlkonig
I. Allegro Con Fuoco
II. Adagio
III. Presto
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Lento Assai - Allegro Energico -
Andante Sostenuto
Allegro Energico - Andante Sostenuto - Lento Assai
Valse Impromptu
I. 'Hohe Liebe' In A flat
II. 'Selinger Tod' In E Flat
III. 'O Lieb' In A Flat
Grand Galop Chromatique

Tracks:

I. Sposalizio
II Penseroso
III. Canzonetta Del Salvator Rosa
IV. Sonetto 47 Del Petrarca
V. Sonetto 104 Del Patrarca
VI. Sonetto 123: Del Petrarca
VII. Apres Une Lecture De Dance (Fant Quasi Son)

Tracks:

I. La Chapelle De Guillaume Tell
II. Au Lac De Wallenstadt
III. Pastorale
IV. Au Bord D'une Source
V. Orage
VI. Vallee D'Obermann
VII. Eglogue (Hirtengesang)
VIII. Le Mal Du Pays
IX. Les Cloches De Geneve

Tracks:

I Gondoliera
II. Canzone
III. Tarantella
Les Jeux D'eau A La Villa D'Este (No.4 Of Annees De Pelerinage, Troisieme Annee)
Benediction De Dieu Dans La Solitude: (No.3 Of Harmonies Poetiques Et Religieuses)
Ballade No.2 In B

Tracks:

I. Preludio: Presto
II. Molto Vivace
III. Paysage: Poco Adagio
IV. Mazeppa: Allegro
V. Feux Follets: Allegretto
VI. Vision: Lento
VII. Eroica: Allegro
VIII. Wilde Jagd: Presto Furioso
IX. Ricordanza: Andantino
X. Allegro Agitato Molto
XI. Harmonies Du Soir: Andantino
XII. Chasse-Neige: Andante Con Moto

Tracks:

Zwei Konzertetuden: I. Waldesrauschen
Zwei Konzertetuden: II. Gnomenreigen
I. Il Lamento
II. La Leggierezza
III. Un Sospiro
I. Andante Con Moto
II. Un Poco Piu Mosso
III. Lento Placido
IV. Quasi Adagio
V. Andantino
VI. Allegretto Sempre Cantabile
Reminiscences De Don Juan

Tracks:

Reminiscences De Norma
Totentanz (Danse Macabre)
Malediction
Fant On Hungarian Folk Themes

Customer Reviews:

Ethereal LIszt in Superb Sound.......2006-09-29

Piano playing of extraordinary romantic depth and breadth. Bolet is inside Liszt's mind, as Liszt's romantic self unfolds on the keyboard. It is as if Bolet is the master himself. Superlative recordings to boot!

A great collection of Liszt treasures.......2004-01-12

The booklet of this set has an interesting explanation of why Jorge Bolet stayed out of the spotlights for so long before taking up his -glorious- career. It was his devotion to Liszt. By then, in the 1950s, Liszt was still regarded as a B-composer (There are still people who tend to think so: I read someone who called Liszt `the father of all bar pianists'. Now, if you know a worse offence...). Only after Liszt's reputation had increased, Bolet could enter his `Indian summer', which lasted from about 1975 until his passing away in 1990. During this period, he was finally able to perform his favourite music as much as possible. This fine 9-disc set may indeed be Bolet's most important testament. Additionally, it's one of the most important Liszt collections on the market. But beware: there's much more than just Bolet, considering Liszt's piano works. I can't say this is the perfect set or near it. Still five stars, for some astonishing piano playing that we don't come across very often nowadays.

Bolet won a Gramophone Award for his 1st book of Années de Pelerinage, which is not strange when listening to the recordings. This is a portrait of a man who's entirely on his own, looking for his soul while wandering trough the beautiful Switzerland - I can't say it better than B. Johnson already did. It's Romantic nonsense, of course, but in Liszt's days it was a common idea, and it can still sweep me away. Bolet's superior tonal colouring - beautiful, but not too far-driven, for the risk it would almost be too intimidating - and his peaceful nature lift this music to the greatest heights. My only complaint would be the `Orage' piece: Bolet's technique can't quite handle it, and its aggressive nature is much less overwhelming as a result. Nevertheless, the rest of the pieces show him at his very best. So does the second year of the Années (that is oddly placed in the set before the first year by Decca). The Dante Sonata, one of Liszt's greatest pieces, fares very well under Bolet's hands.

Equally excellent were the Schubert Song Transcriptions. The transcriptions aren't very different from the original songs, but they are definitely interesting. Especially when someone like Bolet takes them under his hands! All songs are terrifically played, with real standouts like `Auf dem Wasser zu singen', `Der Mueller und der Bach' and `Erlkoenig'. Bolet's romantic touch (he may have been the last of his kind) lets the music unendingly flow. Brilliant!

These comments also apply to Liszt's Consolations, which are placed on another disc. Liszt shows here how much he's in debt to Schubert, and wrote music of a disarmingly lyrical nature. Bolet gives almost naively innocent readings of these pieces. Talking about singing music, why not include the Liebesträume, `Venezia e Napoli' and many, many other pieces as well. Although some people still regard Liszt as a bombastic composer, he was in fact much more active on the spiritual and lyrical area. It is largely this nature of Liszt that is put into the spotlights by Bolet. He is really terrific whenever music ought to sound peaceful and meditative.

But Liszt was also a stunning virtuoso. People may eschew him for that, but that's often without any good ground. The B minor Sonata and the Transcendental Etudes, to give some names, are not only pianistically but also musically amazing works. It takes to be both a good technician and a musician to play them well, and this is where Bolet occasionally fails. He was over 65 when he made these recordings, and I can't help but say that his technique was not anymore what it used to be. In many pieces you can hear him struggle.

In what may be the most difficult music Liszt wrote, the Transcendental Etudes, Bolet takes tempi that are almost too easy (e.g. no.10 should be `Allegro molto agitato' but Bolet plays it very moderately), perhaps because his technique was by then too limited to give the pieces a really impressive treatment. Even then, I do feel a ertain nobility in Bolet's slow approach that gives every study a dignified stature (and that's something you won't find with Kissin or Cziffra!). The sonata is similarly noble and yet tremendously powerful in its scope, even though Bolet may lack some technial control at isolated spots.

Anoter treacherous piece is the `Reminiscences de Don Juan', which is a transcription of no less an opera than -of course- Don Giovanni! Bolet plays this 20-minute piece with a lot of humour and swing: it's a great way to clean up your mind! Also recommendable are the Etudes de Concert (e.g. Waldesrauschen), whose light spirit is very well captured.

A treasure trove set overall, I can recommend it without any limitations. There's no other composer that suited Bolet as well as Liszt, and the vice versa may be true as well. But the pianist also has his weaker points, particularly regarding his technique, that wasn't what it used to be. Oh, and the piano sound is not always equally convincing: the instrument sounds a little shrill at times. But there's an amazing amount of colour in the instrument, and it allows Bolet to reachfor the deepest, darkest sonorities you've heard. This collection is therefore not just THE best Liszt: there are many more pianists who made supreme recordings of him (e.g. Arrau, Brendel, Richter) and I definitely recommend searching them out as well. After you've heard this!

An excellent collection of Liszt interpretations........2003-12-03

I was very impressed with Bolet's playing. His rendition of La Campanella is the best I've ever heard.

Liszt for the ages........2001-12-05

Both for those that would like to find out for the first time what Liszt is all about, and for those few that are very familiar with the Paganini of the 88: LOOK NO FURTHER!

It doesn't get any better than this.

After I heard throughout the seventies about this "unknown" great of the romantic repertoire, I was fortunate enough to see him for the first time about a month after he recorded the first issue of this now legendary Liszt series. While his technique may not have exactly been what it used to be before (e.g. Orage in Suisse of Les Annees), all the performances benefit from the wisdom of many, many years. While all the performances are of a uniform Olympic level, two issue stand out in my mind.

First, there is the cd of Schubert Liszt transcriptions. Bolet really sets the standards for "singing" on the piano. His version of "Der Muller und der Bach" has to be believed to be heard.

Most importantly though, there is "Suisse" the first year of Liszt's years of pilgrimage. I own this disc from the day it appeared on the shelves and still listen to it every month. Surely, there are more technically brilliant versions. For the true "Liszt Nuts", I would certainly advise Leslie Howard's version of "L'Album d'un voyageur", that contains the first version of many of the "Suisse" pieces, and some additional pieces that Frenz (for reasons that escape me completely) excluded from the later Suisse. Yet, nobody, not even Brendel or Berman, have come close to Bolet on delivering on the central theme of Suisse, man finding himself back in an exploration of nature.

While they stem from the earlier days of digital recording the recordings are still more than respectable and benefit greatly from Bolet's attention for color, aided by his favorite Bechstein.

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....!

Liszt: Sonata in B minor/Funerailles/Transcendental Etudes

Average customer rating:

great music, great pianist, terrible recording
One of the last giant pianists in Liszt's repertoire!
ONE OF THE GREATEST PIANISTS: TECHNICALLY ASTOUNDING, EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL

Liszt: Sonata in B minor/Funerailles/Transcendental Etudes
Sviatoslav Richter
Manufacturer: Palexa Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000AMPZQM
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Sonata In B Minor, S. 178
Funerailles
No. 1 'Prelude'
No. 2 (Molto Vivace)
No. 3 'Paysage'
No. 5 'Feux Follets'
No. 7 'Eroica'
No. 8 'Wilde Jagd'
No. 10 (Allegro Agitato Molto)
No. 11 'Harmonies Du Soir'

Album Description

Sviatoslav Richter (1915-1997) is numbered among the finest pianists of the 20th century. He exhibited all the best traits of the Russian school of playing: dynamism, lyrical expressiveness, and a wide range of tonal color. Combined with his typical thoughtfulness, subtlety, and attention to style, these qualities assured Richter of a distinguished international career. For many listeners, indeed, he was the paragon of balance among virtuosos, the pianist who exhibited the greatest equality among the elements across his musical palette. The West first became aware of Richter through recordings made in the 1950s. He was not allowed to tour the U.S. until 1960, and then created a sensation. Touring, however, was not Richter's forte. He preferred an intimate concert venue, and in later years took to playing in small, darkened halls, sometimes with only a small lamp lighting his piano. The centerpiece of this release, the B minor Sonata of Liszt, was recorded live in Carnegie Hall on May 18, 1965 when Richter was at the height of his powers, and only one week after Vladimir Horowitz had appeared on the same stage for his famous "Return Recital". Funérailles recorded Budapest, 1958; Etudes, Moscow, 1956.

Customer Reviews:

great music, great pianist, terrible recording.......2006-10-09

No one can deny Richter's brilliance, especially as applied to the notoriously difficult Liszt repetoire. Unfortunately, this monaural recording was made live in the '50's and the tape hiss is more audible than the upper piano register. Another reviewer (RBS) noted that the sound quality was not great (!); actually it is terrible. I don't know enough about sound engineering to know if remastering would save it; it sounds as if it were taped with one mike.

One of the last giant pianists in Liszt's repertoire!.......2006-08-21

To play Listz demands from you several fundamental aspects; a total domain of the breadth into the phrasing, plain conviction of the meaning of the thematic material beneath the score and additionally, an evilness technique, a sense of the organic flow of the piece. To be true just a few pianists may sustain for instance the overall attention of the listener playing a particular piece of The years of pilgrimage, for instance.

In this sense we might consider Richter as one of the most distinguished interpreters of Liszt during the sixties and one of the most important in the seventies, because fortunately several emblematic pianists emerged in the seventies: Bruno Rigutto, Lazar Berman, Mijail Rudy, apart of the expected reappear of Erwin Nyireghihazi in 1973.

Sviatoslav Richter was gifted of that ability to create atmospheres, aspect nothing to easy to achieve, because there are so many details to take into account at the meantime that it turns a very heavy burden to sustain.

Nevertheless he did it, and if he has not entirely included among the great Lisztian pianists, he has earned a significant place, since the last two decades.

One of the most difficult barriers to surpass in the case of Richter has to do with his ambitious repertoire that barely in four decades established by himself many achievements in which concerns privileged composers. From Tchaikovsky to Cesar Franck, on one hand; but his Schubert (Sonata D. 960)and his Schumann (Búnte blatter) literally renovated the soul of the flaming performer according the tradition established by Sigismund Thalberg, Anton Rubinstein or Adolf von Henselt. He was by far, much more introspective than his homologous Horowitz, but his repertoire was infinitely major, as well as his abstraction capacity.

So that's the reason why I don't even hesitate just a blink, at the moment to recommend you this special compilation of Liszt' s works. These performances possess vigor, audacious and mercurial expression.

ONE OF THE GREATEST PIANISTS: TECHNICALLY ASTOUNDING, EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL.......2006-02-13

Five Amazing Stars!! I would give it SIX but...(see my note). Sviatoslav Richter was simply in a class attained by few classical pianists. A contemporary of Vladimir Horowitz, he was one of the best there ever was!! And, as shown on this CD recorded between ages 40 and 50, he was a thorough-going perfectionist who was demanding: demanding of himself, of his instrument, and of his audiences. This CD captures him playing Liszt like his life depended on it. Technically astounding and emotionally powerful, he didn't let one extreme over take the other, but maintains a balance that simultaneously dazzles us and touches our sensibilities. Certainly not an easy task for any artist, but perfect for any pianist tackling the complexities of Liszt, who was arguably regarded by many as perhaps the world's best pianist himself. Imagine playing something he composed!

Recorded in three locations spanning the years 1956 to 1965, he was in his prime and playing his "A" game when these recordings were made. And, of course, Liszt is no easy task for any pianist. Indeed, I use Liszt as a guage of a pianist's degree of accomplishment, there is simply no place to hide. Mortals don't rush in to a Liszt performance without some pause. Richter is AWESOME throughout.

The Piece De Resistance is the 1965 Carnegie Hall recording of Liszt's B Minor Sonata and it is BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful. Beyond the beauty, some of the passages are absolutely jaw dropping, nearing the edge of physical fingering possibility, as Liszt probably intended. Of the Transcendental Etudes/S.139, my favorites are an absolutely scorching read of No 2 (Molto vivace), with some of the bass notes lost in the recordings shortcomings, and a wonderfully heroic read of No. 5 (Feux follets), and No 8 (Wilde Jagd) with it's searing arpeggio. Highly Recommended with a caution. Five Stars.

(Notes:
*The recording quality is good but not great, Indeed it cries out for remastering in the future. There is one jump from a vinyl disk imperfection in one place and some audible noise in other places, requiring equalizer adjustments. The bass notes are muddled at times. Also some pieces end abruptly. Some of the audience coughing makes it tough on the listener but, hang in there, Richter's power passages more than make up for the bad mike placement. These performances cry out to be heard. These days the mike is placed to nullify audience noise and enhance the music. No wonder Keith Jarrett is so hard on his audiences. LOL.
* UPDATE: in the 12 months of my ownership, this CD has never left it's rotation in my 5 CD changer and is played first each morning of every day. With Ahmad Jamal and Elis Regina getting similar special treatment, only two CD slots are available for new music.)

Schumann: Fantasy; Liszt: Transcendental Etudes

Average customer rating:

Powerful yet poetic interpretation
An achievement, though mainly negative
Greatness personified--a Kissin we may never hear again
Liszt is celebrating in his grave...
Fantastic piano

Schumann: Fantasy; Liszt: Transcendental Etudes

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Chopin: The Four Ballades, Berceuse, Barcarolle, Scherzo No. 4
Schubert: Piano Sonata in B-flat; Schubert-Liszt: Four Songs; Liszt: Mephisto
Schumann: Piano Concerto
Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2; Etudes-Tableaux
Evgeny Kissin: Beethoven, Franck, Brahms

ASIN: B000003FY4
Release Date: 1996-03-26

Tracks:

Fantasy, Op. 17 In C Major: Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftli
Fantasy, Op. 17 In C Major: Massig: Durchaus energisch
Fantasy, Op. 17 In C Major: Landsam getragen: Durchweg feise zu hatten
Etudes d'execution transcendante: 12. Chasse - neige
Etudes d'execution transcendante: 11. Harmonies du soir
Etudes d'execution transcendante: 5. In F Minor
Etudes d'execution transcendante: 5. Feux follets
Etudes d'execution transcendante: 8. Wilde Jagd

Amazon.com essential recording

These works present severe challenges even to the most accomplished virtuosi, and Kissin comes through with flying colors. He responds to the Schumann, which requires both tenderness and passion, with exquisite sensitivity and power. If Kissin doesn't quite match the excellent versions by Richter, Arrau, and Horowitz, he does convey the ardent passion and volatility of the score. Kissin's Liszt is on a similar level; what it occasionally may lack in moments of tranquility is more than made up for with spontaneity and daring--few pianists before the public today take so many risks and emerge unscathed. Above all, this disc illustrates Kissin's pianistic mastery, his affinity for drama and color, and his sheer delight of engagement with the instrument. An immensely enjoyable disc. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Powerful yet poetic interpretation.......2007-01-15

A highly recommended recording. I have played Schumann's Fantasy and Liszt's Transcendental etudes, and have listened to numerous recordings, yet Kissin's performance really caught my attention. Dazzling technique with inspiring, refreshing artistry!!! A collection not to miss!!

An achievement, though mainly negative.......2006-10-28

I can see how a person with no musical history in "classical" music would be impressed with Kissin; his technique is flawless and his playing arresting. However, I can find no understanding in how one singles out Claudio Arrau's masterful recording of the entire set of Transcendentals in his seventy-fifth year to attempt to compare with this sophomoric, ritalin-inspired perusal. Indeed, Kissin manages to zip through Feux Follets without bringing out a single musical nuance in the score; his shading is non-existent. Compared with Arrau's version, which actually makes one SMILE while imagining the little devilish will-o'-the-wisps gleefully misguiding their unfortunate victims, there simply is no comparison. Kissin's playing, on the other hand, actually sounds like a parody of itself; as if he were accompanying a 20s-era silent film starring himself running about frantically (and aimlessly) from place to place. While initially awe-inspiring, such playing is without genuine musical insight and thus, exists less to be enjoyed than endured.

Greatness personified--a Kissin we may never hear again.......2006-03-18

"Come back, Shane--I mean, Yvgeny." Apparently the great Kissin has ridden away from his role as the ideal virtuoso, a lion of the keyboard with a poet's touch. Now his recitals are drastic ups and downs--the moments of coarseness and grandstanding outnumber those of finesse and beauty. On this CD from 1996, however, his Schumann is perfection, an example of controlled abandon and inward feeling tied to supreme technique. I can't imagine a better C major Fantasy in the grand manner of Horowitz and Rachmaninov.

Even better are the breathless Liszt Transcendental Etudes. The piano is a supremely egotistical instrument, thanks in large part to Liszt's bombastic heroics. Kissin adds a touch of genuineness to his world-dominating technique. As a result, this is the most satisfying Liszt I've heard since Richter's great days. The Harmonies du soir alone would put Kissin in the pantheon. Indeed, only Richter surpasses him here, and that's only because Richter showed a more idiosyncratic personality, one large enough to overwhelm even Liszt's titanic ego. Will we ever hear Kissin in such form again? Time awaits with the answer.

Liszt is celebrating in his grave..........2006-01-06

Ok lets do a very quick simple excercise - blindfold yourself and think of Arrau as X. Listen to the fifth etude " Feux follets". Then listen to Kissin (Richter and Berezovsky if you wish). You will notice that Kissin plays it about 4 times faster and with more precision (and in my opinion also beautifully though this point is not necessary to get my message across).
Only in the most Orwellian of Orwellian worlds can you call Arrau's performance better than Kissin. The main point of these pieces by Liszt is to show command and virtuousity at the piano (and even an argument as to some type of emotion that Arrau has that is lacking in the Kissin would be real embellishment).
Now don't get me wrong... not all pianists have to have superb techniques. But when it is blatantly obvious that Y pianist has a superior technique to X pianist.... there are a number of implications as far as I am concerned:
1. a pianist with a noticeable lesser technique will most likely never be considered a mega pianist. I am sorry but there are just too many good pianists out there who have a combination of technique and other attributes.
2. Said pianist should avoid pieces such as Chopin and Liszt etudes and pieces that display virtuosity.
3. When running comparisons, in the framework of reviews or talk, discrepancies in technique must be pointed out and illuminated.
No different is done with gymnasts in the Olympics... no matter HOW elegant they are....if they make technical mistakes they lose out from the get go.

The crux of all this is that we have to set a clear standard. The first thing that is imperative for a pianist is:
1. mastering the technique of a piece
2. not making mistakes (wrong notes) within reason.

ONLY AFTER this can we start to delve into the complex world of interpretation, musical intelligence, etc.

Don't get me wrong I am at times dissatisfied with Kissin because of his lack of insight/intelligence/expression (sometimes he is too quick, intense and bangy even when playing the nocturnes for example). I am sorry but the technique in the etudes here are beyond any other rendition that I have heard. Although the Schumann falls short I challenge someone to present a more technically brilliant and explosive rendition of these etudes than Kissin. In addition I would reccommend Richters performance in the famous Sofia Recital. Also Busoni recorded this in the 1920s.

Fantastic piano.......2005-12-28

A fantastic recording. The pieces are difficult to play but by Kissin, he masters it. The CD came this afternoon and I've played it 4 times already.

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FABULOUS SELECTION OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Classics for Relaxation and Meditation

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Meditation: Classical Relaxation (Box Set)
Most Relaxing Classical Piano Music in the Universe
Bach for Relaxation
Rachmaninoff for Relaxation
Chopin For Relaxation

ASIN: B000000LOH
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

BWV 992: Jeusus Is Always My Gladness
Concerto In B Flat Major: Adagio
Organ Concerto In G Major: Largo
Moonlight Sonata In C Sharp Minor Op. 27-2: Quasi Una Fantasia (Adagio Sostenuto)
Mass In E Minor: Kyre Eleyson
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Minor K537: Larghetto
Symphony No. 8 In Minor D 759: Andante Con Moto
Fantasy Op. 73: Tender And With Expression
The Moldau: Sympohic Poem
Valse Triste: Op. 44, 1 From 'Kuolema'
Oboe Concerto In C Major K314: Adagio - Mozart
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major K467 'Elvira Madigan': Andante

Tracks:

Souvenir De Florence In D Minor Op. 70: Adagio Cantibile - Tchaikovsky
Raindrop Prelude In D Flat Major Op. 28 - 15
Symphony No. 4 In A Major Op. 90 'Italian': Andante con molto
Love Dream No. 3 In A Flat Major Op. 62
Lullaby - Berceuse Op. 105
Berceuse: Lullaby Op. 57 - Chopin
Wind Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 88-2: Andante grazioso
Cello Concerto In G Major: Romance
Concerto For Flute, Harp And Orchestra In C Major K299: Andantino - Mozart
Sonata In C Minor Op. 13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile - Beethoven
Divertimento No. 1 In B Flat Major 'Chorale St. Antoni': Andante - Haydn _

Tracks:

Stabat Mater Op.58: Virgo Virginium Praeclara - Dvorak
Divertimento No. 1 In B Flat Major: Chorale - Haydn _
Consolation In E Major - Liszt
Symphony No. 5 In D Major, Op.107 'Reformation': Finale
Execution Transcendante: Evening Harmony - Liszt
Overture In D Major: Air BWV 1068 - Bach
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Gluck
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major Op. 15: Largo - Beethoven
String Quartet No. 62 In C Major, Op.76, 3 'Emperor': Adagiop cantabile - Haydn _

Customer Reviews:

FABULOUS SELECTION OF CLASSICAL MUSIC.......2001-05-16

Whether or not you are a fan of classical music, the truth is that everyone enjoys a few hours of peace and relaxation. This CD provides a wide selection of music from famous composers like Mozart to lesser known classical composers, which makes it the perfect CD to play on your stereo during those rare moments of peace. Play it while reading a favorite novel, or just simply sit down and meditate with the help of this classical CD. Beethoven's widely popular "Moonlight Sonata" for the piano and Chopin's extraordinary "Raindrop" are just two examples of musical pieces that will not only calm but enrich your life. With a total of three discs included at a phenomenal value, this is one CD that you cannot afford to pass up.

Russian Piano School: Lazar Berman, VoL Eight

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How can he play like this!?
A technical tour de force!

Russian Piano School: Lazar Berman, VoL Eight

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.1 Prld (Presto)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.2 Molto vivace
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.3 Paysage (Poco adagio)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.4 Mazeppa (Allegro)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.5 Feux follets (Allegretto)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.6 Vision (Lento)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.7 Eroica (Allegro)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.8 Wilde Jagd (Presto furioso)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.9 Ricordanza (Andantino)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.10 Allegro agitato molto
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.11 Harmonies du soir (Andantino)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante: No.12 Chasse neige (Andante con moto)
Hungarian Rhap No.9 In E-Flat 'Pesther Carneval'

Customer Reviews:

How can he play like this!?.......1999-10-01

I have bought several set of Liszt's etudes, but this recording by Berman is absolutely the best. He has an inhuman technique; for example, at the climax of Mazeppa, he plays faster than any one else. His range of expression and dynamics is also second to none. If you are interested in these twelve etudes, this CD will not disappoint you.

A technical tour de force!.......1999-06-08

Here is one of the most incredible recordings I have ever heard. How could this guy play them so fast and yet they sound so easy! It is true that Berman's playing may not display as much musical depth as Arrau's version, and that he has made some simplification of the double notes in the right hand in Etude No.5 Feux-follets (i.e. he cheated), but no one can deny that the rapidity with which he plays No.2, the octaves in Eroica, and Wilde Jagd is simply hair-raising. He finishes Wilde Jagd in 4 min 31 sec without even showing a single sign of fatigue or struggling! Berman has been dubbed "the second Liszt" , and in fact I doubt if Liszt could have played these extremely difficult pieces with as much ease. It is a breathtaking technical feat. Indeed, only a few recordings can match this one technically: I can only think of Barere's 1934 recording of Schumann's Toccata in C (APR), Richter's 1958 recording of the same piece (AS Disc), Friedman's Chopin Etude Op.10 No.7 (Philips, 1930), Josef Lhevinne's Schulz-Evler On the Beautiful Blue Danube (Philips, 1928), and one or two recordings by Hofmann (VAI). The only drawback of this CD is its sound quality, which is far below the standard of 1959. He re-recorded the entire set in 1963, probably for Columbia, but I don't think it is available on CD yet. If both recordings were on the market now, I would go for the 1963 one for its much better sound quality (at least it is stereo). But since that is not case, we have no choice!

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Simply supurb!!!
GREAT PINIST OF THE FUTURE
GREAT PINIST OF THE FUTURE
An inspiring young pianist
Mr. Kissin explores the power of the piano at its best.

Evgeny Kissin

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Jorge Bolet 2
Vladimir Horowitz 3
Edwin Fischer
Artur Rubinstein 3
Mikhail Pletnev

ASIN: B00000I0LF
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 - Kissin
Liebestraum No. 3 - Kissin
Gretchen am Spinnrade - Kissin
Auf dem Wasser zu singen - Kissin
Die Forelle - Kissin
Soirees de Vienne: Valse-Caprice No. 6, S. 427 (After Schubert) - Kissin
Marche Militaire - Kissin
Spanish Rhapsody - Kissin
Etudes d'execution transcendante: No. 10 In F Minor - Kissin
Etudes d'execution transcendante: No. 11 Harmonies du soir - Kissin
Etudes d'execution transcendante: No. 12 Chasse-neige - Kissin

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 6 In A, Op. 82: 1. Allegro moderato - Kissin
Piano Sonata No. 6 In A, Op. 82: 2. Allegretto - Kissin
Piano Sonata No. 6 In A, Op. 82: 3. Tempo di valzer. Lentissimo - Kissin
Piano Sonata No. 6 In A, Op. 82: 4. Finale. Vivace - Kissin
Overture On Hebrew Themes, Op. 34 - Evgeny Kissin
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: No. 16 (Dolente) - Evgeny Kissin
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: No. 11 (Con vivacit- Evgeny Kissin
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: No. 17 (Poetico) - Evgeny Kissin
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: No. 10 (Ridicolosamente) - Evgeny Kissin
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C, Op. 26: 1. Andante. Allegro - Evgeny Kissin
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C, Op. 26: 2. Tema con variazioni (Andantino) - Evgeny Kissin
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C, Op. 26: 3. Allegro ma non troppo - Evgeny Kissin
Etude In C Minor, Op. 2 No. 3 - Evgeny Kissin

Amazon.com essential recording

Few recent prodigies have endured like Evgeny Kissin. His technique is flawless, he articulates both notes and expression with a maturity beyond his years, and his romantic repertoire is some of the best available. Celebrated here as part of Philips's Great Pianist series, Kissin easily demonstrates his prowess. The first half of this set is dominated by Liszt interpretations. The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 leads off the disc and is loaded with punch, while the Spanish Rhapsody brims with a true energy and confidence. The second CD, all Prokofiev, reveals the early talents of Kissin. The Visions fugitives hardly sound like they came from hands not old enough to drive. A live Carnegie Hall performance of Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 6--the same piece he chose to play at the age of 15 for the International Tchaikovsky Competition--delights. From the opening notes, it's apparent that Kissin has a grasp of the piece and it's no wonder it's still a staple of his concert performances. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Simply supurb!!!.......2003-04-28

I've known Kissin, not personally but as a pianist, from his debut in Tokyo. I owned a couple of his CDs which was always in my CD shelf. Knowing he is the "pianist" of our days, I still prefered to listen to those older generation, Richter, Rubinstein, Horowitz,etc. I bought this CD not because I was crazy about Kissin but because I had a gift certificate and wanted to buy something I don't usually buy. This was the beginning of my new exciting life!!!! As always, I bought a CD but didn't listen to it right away---because I wanted to keep listening to my favorite CD of that time. One day I decided it was about time to listen to it, so I put it in my CD player in my car. WOW!!! I've never heard Prokofiev #3 Concerto like that. I have Richer, Argerich and some Korean guy, I even went to Argerich's Concert at Carnegie a couple years ago which was great but not this great!!! He does so many things which is so original. I looked at the music while I listened to the CD. He does things which is not written on the page but make so much sense. Now I'm hooked with these recordings AND Mr.Kissin himself. I've been listening to Prokofiev CD every day for last few months and I love it more. Last month I went to his concert at Lincoln Center where he played Prokofiev Concerto #2 which was written while Prokofiev was still a student. It was great, I still like #3 though. Tomorrow I'm hoping to hear him play at Carnegie Hall. Liszt-Schubert Songs I absolutely LOVE. For this, I'm still trying to decide if I like Perriah better or Kissin. This is a great CDs to listen to and to get to know Kissin's true artistry. I hope Mr. Kissin will record complete Prokofiev Sonatas.

GREAT PINIST OF THE FUTURE.......2000-10-13

THIS CD IS ONE OF THE GREAT OF THE SERIE. Not because evgueni was a young pianist but he have a real sensibility of the difficult passages. I retire one star for not Chopin in this cd!!

GREAT PINIST OF THE FUTURE.......2000-10-13

THIS CD IS ONE OF THE GREAT OF THE SERIE. Not because evgueni was a young pianist but he have a real sensibility of the difficult passages. I retire one star for not Chopin in this cd!!

An inspiring young pianist.......2000-07-01

I first discovered Evgeny Kissin's music six years ago, and since then he has become one of my favorite pianists. Although I would give all of Kissin's recordings five stars, this particular one is one of my favorites. After listening to Kissin's interpretation of Gretchen am Spinnrade, I became so moved by the passion and drama of this piece that I went on a diligent search for the score. When I finally found it, I learned the piece immediately. I had never before been so moved by a recording that I would rush to learn the piece. Kissin's interpretation of Liszt's Liebestraum No.3 is beyond anything I ever imagined the piece could be. The Transcendental Etude No. 10 is thunderously and magnificently executed, and the fiendish complexities of the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 are carried off with a technical superiority that is difficult to articulate. Kissin electrifies every piece he touches with his dramatic and thrilling artistry, and he's even better live than he is on C.D. There are a number of great pianists in the world, and I have heard many of them perform; but there is something uniquely inspiring about Evgeny Kissin. I find myself listening to his recordings over and over again and wanting to shout out, "Bravo!"

Mr. Kissin explores the power of the piano at its best........1999-07-15

Several years ago I began to hear rumblings filtering out of the old Soviet Union about a youthful pianist of unprecidented abilities. This last month I was fortunate enough to come into possession of this CD and then the others which Mr. Kissin has produced.

Being a new-age classical pianist composer as well as a member of the biology teaching faculty here at Amarillo College for the last 25 years this opportunity was one that I had looked forward to for the last several years.

To say the least I was left almost stammering looking for superlatives! I have heard many recordings made by those considered the finest pianists as well as having had first hand experience in hearing several of them in actual performance. All that I can truely say is that Evgeny Kissin may well be the closest thing to Franz List reborn as we are going to get in this life.

He plays from the heart and is not simply a techincal wizard as are so many of todays generation of pianists. Not saying that technical perfection is bad but simply that sometimes it gets in the way of artistic expression.

Also I have read the comments made by some reviewers relative to their opinions. Some are more than kind but others seem to be looking for excuses to criticize. To them I would simply say that when thay can produce music of this caliber then they have the right to such comments. Regardless of motives the evaluation of musical artistry should be left to performing artists.

Tracks:

Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: I. Preludio In C Major: Presto
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: II. Etude In A Minor: Molto vivace
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: III. Paysage (Landscape), In F Major: Poco adagio
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: IV. Mazeppa In D Minor: Allegro
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: V. Feux Follets (Will O' The Wisps) In B Flat Major: Allegretto
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: VI. Vision In G Minor: Lento
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: VII. Eroica In E Flat Major: Allegro
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: VIII. Wilde Jagd (WIld Hunt), In C Minor: Presto furioso
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: IX. Ricordanza (Remembrance) In A Flat Major: Andantino, improvisato
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: X. Etude In F Minor: Allegro agitato molto
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: XI. Harmonies du soir (Evening Harmonies) In D Flat Major: Andantino
Etudes D' Execution Transcendante, S139-R2b: XII. Chasse-neige (Snow-Whirls) In B Flat Minor: Andante con moto

Customer Reviews:

Stunning performance - been a favorite of mine since it came out!.......2007-07-10

Whilst not everyone will agree with me I think Jendo is a really great pianist and I have loved this set since it came out (or I bought it) - some while ago now. So 5 stars and at Naxos prices a bargain. [I am aware that others think Jendo should be more expressive than he is here, but if a Hungarian can't play Liszt then who can?!? - So one of these days I might bother to seek out a better performance but it hasn't happened yet! Generally the Naxos Liszt Piano Discs are all worth the meagre dollars!]

For ballet lovers..........2006-11-05

There is no full recording of the music for The Mayerling, so this is the closest you can get to it. It's also the same CD that the Royal Opera House sells so you know you're in safe hands! Obviously, it's not the full music, it is only snatches, but it is a great way to relive the experience of a truly wonderful ballet. Until someone sits down and records the whole ballet - and offers it at a sensible price - this will have to do. Just a point in passing ... why does ballet music, opera and classical CDs have to still be so expensive? Almost all of the composers are dead - most a long time dead - so whose pockets are we lining .. and why? ie: The 3 ballets by Delibes (Coppelia, Sylvia & La Source) = £30+ delivery @ ROH; but only £12 delivered from Amazon ... for the same thing! I buy when I think the price is reasonable, justifiable and sensible. I hope you do too. Enjoy Liszt - it's worth every penny.

Powerful, exciting, mindblowing.......2006-06-29

Unlike the other reviewers, I've not heard too many other performances/interpretations of the Transcendental Etudes. In fact, about a year ago I bought this CD and it was my first Liszt CD. It's the CD that confirmed the fact that I would soon love Liszt's music and listen to even more.

I deeply appreciated each and every etude on here since it was my only recordings. Since then, I've listened to other pianists and agree with some of the other reviewers that Jeno Jando's technique and interpretations are stellar. It would be foolish to say that these are the best interpretations. I actually don't like Jando's "Mazeppa" at all. Compared to the other etudes, it sounds light and staccato (if Liszt's etudes could be so). Also, the second etude is not all it could be, but nevertheless stands as a thunderous rendition.

Although I said these are not the best interpretations, I will always prefer these recordings over others simply for sentimental reasons that these were my first taste of Liszt. However, I think I can step out of that biased shell and also state that Jando's take on the 6th etude is the best interpretation out there. The 7th, 8th "Wilde Jagd," 10th, and 11th are spectacular. The 7th and 8th alone sound like raging creatures ready to demolish any piano. Their force and brio was unheard of at that time. Hummel, Schubert, Moscheles and Mendelssohn (somewhat contemporaries) were far from this sound and Liszt's 10th etude is a fine example of Liszt's explosive virtuosity often described by hacks as "bombastic."

The last etude 'Chasse-neige' (Snow-Whirls) is remarkable too. You can hear, feel, sometimes even see the whirling winds and rain of snow that assails nature during a blizzard. The performance is passionate, well-articulated and quite atmospheric.

Bottom line: Jeno Jando is one of the finest Liszt players we have and with the budget Naxos price, I encourage novice or experienced liszteners to buy this CD.

music of a king played by a king.......2006-05-07

The cd that turned me onto piano playing.Consummately immaculate.Astonishingly bona fide.Tis so opulent i took up these fingerbreaking patience obliterating etudes at age 24,after only a month of beginning the piano.And i intend to learn all 12 so that i may record these someday myself,but until then this recording remains the standard to liszt and to the ear!

A Good Liszt Etudes Recording........2004-09-23

Ever since I learned that Franz Liszt composed a set of fiendishly difficult "Transcendental Etudes," I have spent much time listening to them and reading about them because they fascinate me.

Jeno Jando, with characteristic technique and musicianship, does a fine job in his survey of the 12 Transcendental Etudes. He plays with good characterization and contrast. The opening study is a powerful romp, and Jando dispatches it with ease.

However, the A minor study that comes next is much more problematic. It is the worst performance of the A minor etude I have listened to. Jando slows down during difficult portions, then speeds up when the music gets "easier." It just does not come off.

The other studies are much better performed. "Paysage" is beautifully played, with characteristic nostalgia and longing. "Mazeppa" is a musical "tour de force," and Jando plays it as well, I feel, as the legendary Jorge Bolet.

"Vision" is powerful and brooding, and I like Jando's interpretation.

The remaining studies are all well-played, and Jando's devotion and affinity for this music is never in question. For the price, you cannot beat these performances. Prepare to hear on the piano what you never believed possible!

However, I would like to recommend other, better, recordings for those willing to spend the money. First of all, careful searching will yield a Lazar Berman recording of the Etudes (type in his name on the "Search," and scroll down the pages until you see a CD with a piano on the cover.) He has monstrous technique, and he is unparalleled in his technique, power, and passion.

Claudio Arrau also has an outstanding set of the Etudes on the Philips label. It is a double with Nikita Magaloff on some of the other etudes. Arrau is stunning, in terms of both technique (not quite at Berman's level) and musicality. His Etudes are the most musical I have heard.

Jorge Bolet, the Liszt specialist, also recorded the Etudes. They are similar to Jando's, and they do not begin to compare with Berman or Arrau.

Finally, I want to recommend Boris Berezovsky's Transcendental Etudes. I have only listened to a clip from "Mazeppa," but Berezovksy is widely praised, and you should not be afraid to buy his Etude recordings.

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