Liszt Hungarian Rhapsodies

1. Hungarian Rhapsodies (6), for orchestra, S. 359 (LW G21) No 1 in C sharp minor
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by London Festival Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Scholz

2. Hungarian Rhapsodies (6), for orchestra, S. 359 (LW G21) No 3 in B flat major
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by London Festival Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Scholz

3. Hungarian Rhapsodies (6), for orchestra, S. 359 (LW G21) No 6 in D flat major
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Scholz

4. Mephisto Waltz (I & II), for piano No. 1 (Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke), S. 514 (LW A189)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Pavica Gvozdic

5. Rákóczi-Marsch, for orchestra, S. 117 (LW G29)
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Slavonica Philharmonia Conducted by Alfred Scholz

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:

Martha shows up.......2007-07-22

If you are a piano afficionado, especially solo piano, you're gonna wanna hear Martha play.

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.

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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.

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Jando infuses the Rhapsodies
Hungarian Vol1 Review
Brilliant!
A brilliant recording with both Lisztian flair and subtlety

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Vol.13
Franz Liszt: Études d'exécution transcendante 1851 version
Franz Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 1
Liszt: Sonata in B minor; Deux Légendes; Gretchen
Liszt: Années de Pèlerinage, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00000JMX8
Release Date: 1999-07-20

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!

Average customer rating:

One of my worse music purchases...
The man is a pedal freak !
Distinguished refinement!
Robotic?
Virtuosic and beautiful...a brilliant performance!

Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies For Orchestra
Rachmaninov: Preludes
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies
Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos.1 & 2; Totentanz
Liszt: Piano Works

ASIN: B000001GY4
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No.1
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No.2
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 3
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 4
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 5 'Heroide elegiaque'
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 6
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 7
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 8
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 9 'Carnival In Pest'
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 10

Tracks:

The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 11
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 12
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 13
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 14
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 15 'Rakoczy March'
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 16
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 17
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 18
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody No. 19
The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies: Rhapsody Espagnole

Customer Reviews:

One of my worse music purchases..........2007-04-05

Hi there,

I bought this CD from a local store and put it on right away to hear how it was. Well, I have to say that even from the first 2 minutes of the 2nd Rhapsody, I knew this was not a good recording. I am actually really surprised that DG even issued this recording seeing that it is really way below their standards.
I generally judge Rhapsodies by listening to the ones I know intimately. I had several Rhapsodies on several discs but wanted to get this one to have them all in one package. Well, to be honest, that was a bad decision. Playing is really not that good, there are strange tempo changes and strange dynamics choices.
Today I bought and listened to Cziffra's version for the FIRST time and boy, I was blown away. If you want a decent set which contains all of these works go with Cziffra (actually that set has 15 rhapsodies and the rhapsody espagnole).
If you want to hear some other great interpretations of this works, Philips's The Best of Liszt CD featuring Mischa Dichter is nothing short of jaw-dropping. I wish Mischa Dichter recorded all of them together.
I would not recommend this CD for the first time listeners of these works. It could be interesting for those who would like to listen to a different kind of interpretations of these works.

The man is a pedal freak !.......2006-05-28

Mr. Szidon makes excessive use of rubato and pedal, he screws up No.2 and No.12, the greatest ones in my opinion.
In No.2 for example, he plays the most cold LASSAN I've ever heard (and I've heard 24 versions of this rhapsody), with very staccato chords, and pedal lack. Then in the Friska, he seems like he wants to make it up for the LASSAN, he uses the pedal in places that are not indicated, in the last chromatic octave run he uses so much pedal that the sound is distorted (I think he saw fffff on the score). His cadenza is awful and the final Prestissimo is screwed up by a ridiculous pianissimo.

No.12 is so rubatoed that it seems like he's pausing every minute to change the page.

A bad impression in general, get Campanella's version, it is far more warmer than this one. (Too bad it doesn't include the Rhapsodie Espagnole)

Distinguished refinement!.......2006-03-07

Most of the Brazilian pianists have been colorists. From the times of the monumental Guiomar Novaes, it would seem the soft rapture and the well known sensuality permeate the whole approach. In the case of Roberto Szidon, this statement seems to open parenthesis. His strong sound and digitations looks lie a bit clangorous, but most of the Liszt `s Hungarian Rhapsodies need it to guarantee this petulant sensation of omnipresence. Just remember Liszt was the embodiment of the thundering sound. Louis Moreau Gotschalk, Sigismund Thalberg and Charles Valentin Alkan follwed similar musical behavior. The piano should be simply a vehicle of expression; the torch for their fireworks.

Those are the main virtues of these piano pieces, loaded with expansive musculature and glittering arpeggios and theatrical sonority. To satisfy the great crowds of the XIX century, the piano had to be hammered to get and obtain the required applauses.

In this sense the Hungarian Rhapsodies established a profile where the incisiveness and exaggeration of the span should substitute the musicality. Rather than a musician you should play the role of a gladiator in scene, a typical device of thelast ashes of the late Romanticism.

Gyrogy Cziffra is possibly the best exponent of this old fashioned tradition, (without forget to Louis Kentner and Edith Franadi) but Szidon constitutes an excellent option for those purists of the great tradition.

Robotic?.......2005-11-19

Let me tell you something. I personally respect everyone's taste. But in this case I have an objection to the point raised by a couple of reviewers.

What is the robotic playing? Szidon's playing is not robotic at all although his approach may be controversial. Yes. His approach is quiet different from other pianists. And I admit that it can make listeners love or hate this album. But it does not prove that his playing is robotic or mechanical.

Actually his approach is highly creative and individual. He has a strong personality whether you like it or not. At least, Szidon can be compared with Cziffra on strong personality essential to express so-called 'Gypsy Spirit'. He has a big mechanism, power, alertness to be a good Lisztean, too.

Indeed the term 'Robotic' may go to Campanella and Yundi Li. They are very good pianists with beautiful sonority but not suitable to Liszt. The Liszt's works always needs multi-dimensional talent and Szidon has it.

Virtuosic and beautiful...a brilliant performance!.......2005-10-25

Szidon plays these pieces wonderfully. Of course, you may not realize this if you've only heard Cziffra's version and think that they are supposed to be played with a rubber mallet and aren't well done if the piano is still standing after the performance.

I can't comment on others', besides an occassional piece by Hofmann, interpretations, but I can say that Szidon stands way above Cziffra in these works.

Liszt: Les Préludes; Mazeppa; Hungarian Rhapsodies 2, 3 & 14; Etc.

Average customer rating:

Liszt: Les Préludes; Mazeppa; Hungarian Rhapsodies 2, 3 & 14; Etc.
BRAVO!
Liszt grandioso...
SUPERB!!
The bargain of CD's on Amazon's list.

Liszt: Les Préludes; Mazeppa; Hungarian Rhapsodies 2, 3 & 14; Etc.

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture
Haydn: Paris Symphonies
Sibelius: Finlandia/Tone Poems.
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77
Liszt: 10 Hungarian Rhapsodies

ASIN: B000000UW8
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Les Preludes (Symphonic Poem No. 3)
Mazeppa (Symphonic Poem No. 6)
Hungarian Rhapsodies No. 2: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 14
Rakoczy March
Hungarian Battle March

Customer Reviews:

Liszt: Les Préludes; Mazeppa; Hungarian Rhapsodies 2, 3 & 14; Etc........2007-05-13

FLASH GORDON & MING THE MERCILESS

BRAVO!.......2007-05-07

The CD is extraordinary. I have a special fondness to Les Preludes since my daughter played it several years ago at Interlochen Music Camp near
Traverse City, MI.

Liszt grandioso..........2004-12-02

Un Cd con una seleccion imperdible del genio de Liszt, desde el sinigual Les Preludes y Mazeppa, hasta las maravillosas y geniales rapsodias hungaras un deleite con grandes directores y sus orquestas.
El famosisimo Rosza se encarga de la primera obra "Les preludes" y junto a la pomposa Hollywood Bowl Orchestra nos hace regocijar de luminosidad y sentimentalismo, al final del Cd se hace cargo de una belleza increible y mas popular en la version para piano y orquesta, la rapsodia hungara N°14, sencillamente genial. Masur en una interpretacion soberbia, una de mis favoritas no entrega un Mazeppa que nos deja sin aire, vibrante, sutil, portentosa.
Willi Boskovsky junto a la formidable Filarmonica de Londres se hace cargo de dos Rapsodia Hungaras la N°2 y N°3, bien interpretadas y con brillo especial. Sigue Boskovsky con dos obras del tipo patriotico cercana a la 1812 de Tchaikovsky, la marcha Rakovszy es muy popular y en esta version suena excelente, la marcha batalla hungara es la pieza mas diferente del conjunto, un poco apoteosica pero llena del estilo y efectismo de Liszt.
Una seleccion incomparable en versiones sin igual.

SUPERB!!.......1999-02-21

This was Liszt at his best. And at the price, I couldn't believe what I got. I thought I was going to get some chopped up versions of him, but what was in store was a treat. Les Preludes is absolutely fantastic. This CD is the best value you can buy!! It's definitely the best I ever bought!!

The bargain of CD's on Amazon's list........1998-10-13

To hear 60 minutes of some of Liszt's most popular orchestral music is an experience not to miss.

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:

Stokowski In His Element

Rhapsodies [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Brahms, Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
César Franck: Symphony in D Minor; Igor Stravinsky; Pétrouchka [Hybrid SACD]
Chopin:Rubinstein Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD]
Mahler: Symphony No. 4 [Hybrid SACD]
Richard Strauss: Scenes from Salome & Elektra [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0009U55T2
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Customer Reviews:

Stokowski In His Element.......2006-06-10

While I am not partial to Wagner or Liszt, the glory of these performances is found in the compositions of Enescu and Smetana. Often dismissed because of his theatricality, here Stokowski shines with brilliance in music so suited to his flamboyant, some would say gushy, nature. The Moldau flows beautifully along its varied course under this capable baton, filled with the vitality of a first-time hearing of this familiar but wonderful standard. Not so well known to all is the Enescu Roumanian Rhapsody. Stokowski imbues such diverse coloration and rhythmic insistance as to mesmerise on each listening. More than an historical document, these recordings could well become your favorite performances of these works. Though recorded before the age of DDD digital techniques, the sound is brilliant, realistic and energizing. Available in both hybrid SACD and standard CD formats. Most highly recommended.

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
Similar Items:

Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody no 2
Paul Paray Conducts Dances of Death
Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet); Fireworks; Song of the Nightingale
Chabrier: España, rhapsody; Bourrée fantasque
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