Liszt Rhapsodies

A native of Ukraine, pianist Sophia Agranovich continues her superb series of recordings for Centaur Records. Internationally acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and educator, Sophia Agranovich is “a bold, daring pianist in the tradition of the Golden Age Romantics…A tigress of the keyboard” – Fanfare. Her performances are captivating audiences by the “orison of uncommon beauty” – Audiophile, “interpretation that dares to be different”, “magnificent shading and superior musicianship” – American Record Guide. A Steinway Artist, Ms. Agranovich has performed in USA, Europe, Israel, and Canada. Recently she played solo recitals at the Pennautier Festival and Juan-les-Pins in France and was invited to China and Brazil. A six-time Grammy® balloted artist, Sophia Agranovich has released ten solo albums from 2010 through 2022, including seven on Centaur label.

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.

In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Franz Liszt's birth, Deutsche Grammophon has assembled a limited-edition, 34-CD collection, housed in a sturdy cubic package that many collectors will covet for its impressive appearance. But this comprehensive set is really aimed at serious Liszt aficionados who appreciate the diverse ways of playing this arch-Romantic's passionate music.

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.

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…