Immerse yourself in the virtuoso world of Franz Liszt with this captivating collection of his most renowned piano works. Released on July 15, 2014, by Hungaroton, this album presents a selection of Liszt's Études d'exécution transcendante and Hungarian Rhapsodies, showcasing the composer's unparalleled technical brilliance and romantic flair.
The Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139, are a set of twelve compositions that push the boundaries of piano technique. Originally published in 1852, these études are a revision of an earlier set and are known for their extraordinary difficulty and expressive depth. This album features six of these transcendental studies, including the haunting "Paysage" in F Major, the fiery "Feux follets" in B-Flat Major, and the dramatic "Appassionata" in F Minor.
Complementing the études are three of Liszt's iconic Hungarian Rhapsodies, S. 244. These pieces, which blend Hungarian folk music with classical piano virtuosity, include the famous "Rákóczy March" in A Minor, as well as the captivating Rhapsodies in C-Sharp Minor and D-Flat Major.
Performing these works is the renowned pianist György Cziffra, whose mastery of Liszt's complex and demanding compositions is evident in every note. With a duration of one hour and eighteen minutes, this album offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Liszt's genius, making it an essential addition to any classical music collection.