Classical Editor: Rob Barnett


Music Webmaster
Len Mullenger: Len@musicweb-international.com


Reviews from other months
F. LISZT: Grande Fantasie sur La Clochette and other first thoughts and second drafts. Leslie Howard (piano) Hyperion CDA67408/10 [221m] DDD.

 


Crotchet




Hyperion's magnificent and truly laudable Lisztcycle approaches the finishing line with this mammoth treasure trove of hidden delights that will enthuse all lovers of the piano. Indeed Leslie Howard waxes lyrical about most of the pieces in his scholarly notes, so if he is eager then why shouldn't we be so too? The Grande Fantasie that heralds the first disc is truly titanic, here Lisztmatches Paganini in his wizardry and it would be idiotic not to say that Howard's performance is masterly in every respect.

The short Waltzes and Polonaise are also brilliantly done although one must admit that most of these shorter works are rather trivial. However the 2nd Legend entitled, 'St Francis de Paule walks on water' is indeed pianistic impressionism at it's finest and contains much that is memorable and hauntingly beautiful. Other works which left a profound impression on me and that emanated from the first disc where the short but thoroughly charming 'Wallenstein's Lake' and the poetically haunting; 'The Cypresses of the Ville d'Este', an intoxicating tone poem of miraculous beauty. The short Variations on Paganini's Carnival in Venice' are also vintage Lisztwith devilish double-stops and glissandos, more than a match for Howard's scintillating virtuosity.

The second CD begins with a truly awesome pianistic rendition of the 9th Symphonic Poem, 'Hungaria'. This is one of the most static symphonic poems, but when heard in a pianistic guise it retains its formal heroic layout but adds to its virtuoso content. Howard's slow tempo clocks in at 22'37 but one cannot fail to appreciate what Lisztcould make out of orchestral pieces with his pianistic mind. The 'Rackockzy March' follows hot on the heels of that noble salute to Hungary and this piece is full of those typical rhythms that make Lizst's homeland so mysteriously romantic.

Once again, I was left awe-inspired at the guise the orchestra changes to when confronted with the keyboard version. Howard is also superb in the two excerpts from the oratorio, 'The Legend of St Elizabeth' which shows Lisztin his spiritual guise. The Valse Oubliee' and the Grand galop chromatique are also summarily dispatched whilst the Huldigungsmarsch concludes this second installment in true virtuoso fashion.

By the time I popped the third CD into my player, I was feeling slightly out of depth when confronted by such incredible genius. And if I thought there was going to be a letoff, I was sorely mistaken as Howard plunges tooth and nail into another Paganini variation, this time on 'La Clochette et Le Carnaval de Venice'. The pianist becomes literally possessed by his mentors devilish demands, at times it really seems that the piano would be about to disintegrate, such is the force of this music! A short Angelus provides the ideal interlude before the mammoth 'Historische ungarische Bildnisse', a veritable tone poem of piano genius.

This half-hour long work contains much that is virtuosic but there are also moments of deep solitude which are well characterized by Howard. Another version of the previous Angelus makes a welcome break before the grand finale', yet another Paganini set of variations. This titanic work makes a fitting conclusion to this incredible three-disc set of delightful rarities that takes its place amongst one of the finest issues in the series, primarily for collectability. Hyperion's recording is the usual model of clarity and as already mooted, the notes are first-class. As for the playing, well you can't imagine it if you haven't heard it can you? So just go out and buy this set!

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:
Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:
Sound:

Return to Index