Franz LISZT
An introduction in words and music Written and narrated by Jeremy
Siepmann with excerpts from the composers music 
NAXOS 8.558005-06 2 CDs[2:35:52]
Regular visitors to Film Music on the Web
will recall that, in 'Curio Corner', we often used to have a feature
called "If Only They Had Written for Films" (which we
hope to revive in the not too distant future) in which we looked
at the music of 19th and 20th centuries
Late Romantic composers whose music had a definite dramatic and
atmospheric qualities - i.e. 'filmic' music.
One of the giants of 19th century
Romantic music was Franz Liszt who was one of the greatest progressive
pianists of the era and an equally progressive composer. His music
has been used in countless films (Mephisto Waltz - with
original music based on the Liszt work by Jerry Goldsmith, was
just one of these and Sir Dirk Bogarde starred as the composer
in the biopic, Song Without End).
Adventurous film music fans and classical music
lovers should welcome this splendid production - an ideal introduction
to the life and music of the colourful musician that was Franz
Liszt. The two CD contain excerpts from a representative cross
section of the composer's instrumental and orchestral works including
La Campanella, Symphonie fantastique and
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6; together with a spoken commentary
on Liszt's life story and music written and read by noted musicologist,
Jeremy Siepmann with Neville Jason as Liszt. This commentary is
also printed in the very full book that accompanies the CDs. The
book also includes: historical background notes, and essays -
'Liszt and the Romantic Century'; and 'Liszt's Major Works and
their Significance.' There is also a very useful graded Listening
Plan, further reading recommendations, a calendar of Liszt's life
and a discography.
This wonderful educational tool is just one
of a series now being released by Naxos. Other Naxos Life and
Works productions available include Chopin and Beethoven.
Excellent value.
Ian Lace
