Pianist Kapustka writes a gushing first person statement
of her commitment to this music of Franz Liszt which she plays with
passion, drama, and enthusiasm. Is she the equal of Lazar Berman, Vladimir
Horowitz, Aldo Ciccolini or other famous pianists who have distinguished
themselves in this repertoire? Not by a long way. There is little struggle
in her playing, but neither is there much assurance or grace or overall
sense of sweep or design, qualities which Liszt himself possessed in
great abundance.
She comes across much better as accompanist to Mr.
Reschl. In other recordings of this series where he sings in church
with the choir, Reschl is capable and effective. But the close microphone
here is not kind to his voice. His tone is unsteady, his intonation
at times forced. We become emotionally involved in his personal struggle
to produce the notes accurately and are hence distracted from the music
itself. If these songs were otherwise unavailable, this recording would
be more welcome but at least two other distinguished recordings exist
of each of them.
There are better versions of this music available and
this CD cannot be recommended.
Paul Shoemaker
John Reschl, baritone; May
Kay Kapustka, piano