Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody 2

Perhaps this album will be more of a remembrance of the conclusion of this mammoth liszt piano music series than a colourful alternative for the Rhapsodies per se. I am happy to state that it fulfills both credentials admirably, indeed the sense of elation and triumph is palpably present throughout the whole interpretations. As usual, the detailed notes make for some fascinating reading and Hyperion have also graciously included a beautifully presented catalogue to the whole series as an addendum. Howard's speeds in the First are occasionally too ponderous but the warmth and eloquence of the music are indeed well served.

This very generous (79 min.) program of Rachmaninov and Liszt is a sterling representation of Horowitz's mastery in these two composers. It was issued in 2003 as a centennial tribute to the pianist, and quite a number of readings derive from live concerts. the span of time is relatively short - most of the performances come from 1967 and 1068, with several more from 1962, before he ended his self-imposed exile from concertizing. The sonics from that period could be a bit thin and shallow, but they are good enough, and at times, as in Rachmaninov's Etude-Tableau Op. 39 no. 5, Horowitz's full range of sound jumps out, making one wish that everything was this present and engrossing.

The unpublished CD features Giuseppe Andaloro, piano, Gianna Fratta, conductor and the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra, in a tribute to the most virtuoso of the romantics, Franz Liszt:Mazeppa, poema sinfonico No. 6 - Piano Concerto N. 1 - Totentanz - Rapsodia Ungherese No. 12 per pianoforte.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Franz Liszt's birth, virtuoso pianist Lang Lang has selected some of the composer's most characteristic pieces for his 2011 Sony release, Liszt: My Piano Hero…