Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Franz Liszt with the album "Kempff Plays Liszt," released on January 1, 2014, under Decca Music Group Ltd. This classical piano album is a testament to Liszt's virtuosity and the profound interpretations by the renowned pianist Wilhelm Kempff. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through some of Liszt's most celebrated works.
The album opens with Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, showcasing the composer's brilliance in concerto form, followed by the equally impressive Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major. These concertos are masterclasses in romantic piano writing, demonstrating Liszt's ability to blend technical prowess with deep emotional expression.
The second half of the album delves into Liszt's solo piano works, including selections from "Légendes," "Années de pèlerinage I, Suisse," and "Années de pèlerinage II." These pieces are a showcase of Liszt's poetic and descriptive abilities, each one a miniature masterpiece that transports the listener to different landscapes and moods. From the serene beauty of "Au lac de Wallenstadt" to the dramatic intensity of "Sonetto 123 del Petrarca," these works highlight Liszt's versatility and innovation.
"Kempff Plays Liszt" is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of Liszt's enduring legacy and Kempff's mastery of his works. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Liszt's music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124: I. Allegro maestosoFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124: II. Quasi adagioFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124: III. Allegretto vivace – Allegro animatoFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124: IV. Allegro marziale animatoFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125: I. Adagio sostenuto assai – II. Allegro agitato assaiFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125: III. Allegro moderatoFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125: IV. Allegro deciso – V. Marziale un poco meno allegroFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125: VI. Allegro animatoFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff, London Symphony Orchestra, Anatole Fistoulari
Légendes, S. 175: I. St François d'Assise: La prédication aux oiseauxFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Légendes, S. 175: II. St François de Paule marchant sur les flotsFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage I, Suisse, S. 160: VII. EglogueFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage I, Suisse, S. 160: II. Au lac de WallenstadtFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage I, Suisse, S. 160: IV. Au bord d’une sourceFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: 2. Il PenserosoFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: 3. Canzonetta del Salvator RosaFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Venezia e Napoli, S. 162: Supplément aux Années de pèlerinage II: 1. GondolieraFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: 4. Sonetto 47 del PetrarcaFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: 5. Sonetto 104 del PetrarcaFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: 6. Sonetto 123 del PetrarcaFranz Liszt, Wilhelm Kempff