Franz Liszt's "Via Crucis & Solo Piano Works" is a profound and introspective collection of his late-career masterpieces, set for release on April 11, 2025, under Sony Classical. This album is a testament to Liszt's enduring genius, featuring his deeply moving "Via Crucis," a work devoted to the Stations of the Cross, composed in the autumn of 1878. The piece is a series of 14 stations, each a poignant reflection on the Passion of Christ, culminating in a powerful and contemplative journey.
Complementing the "Via Crucis" are the "Consolations," a set of six piano pieces that offer moments of solace and introspection. These pieces, along with selections from "Harmonies poétiques et religieuses," showcase Liszt's ability to blend technical virtuosity with deep emotional resonance. The album spans a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration of Liszt's later works.
Performed with exquisite sensitivity by Franz Liszt and Leif Ove Andsnes, this album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts. The collaboration between these two masterful artists brings a new depth and nuance to these timeless compositions. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Liszt's music or a newcomer to his works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(P) 2025 Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Via Crucis, S. 53: Vexilla regisFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station I: Jesus wird zum Tode verdammtFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, Grete Pedersen, Olle Holmgren
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station II: Jesus trägt sein KreuzFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen, Olle Holmgren
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station III: Jesus fällt zum ersten MalFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen, Ditte Marie Bræin, Magnhild Korsvik
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station IV: Jesus begegnet seiner heiligen MutterFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station V: Simon von Kyrene hilft Jesus das Kreuz tragenFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station VI: Sancta VeronicaFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station VII: Jesus fällt zum zweiten MalFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station VIII: Die Frauen von JerusalemFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, Grete Pedersen, Øystein Stensheim
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station IX: Jesus fällt zum dritten MalFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station X: Jesus wird entkleidetFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station XI: Jesus wird ans Kreuz geschlagenFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station XII: Jesus stirbt am KreuzeFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station XIII: Jesus wird vom Kreuz genommenFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Via Crucis, S. 53: Station XIV: Jesus wird ins Grab gelegtFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen, Mari Askvik
Consolations, S. 172: No. 1 in E Major. Andante con motoFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Consolations, S. 172: No. 2 in E Major. Un poco più mossoFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Consolations, S. 172: No. 3 in D-Flat Major. Lento placidoFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Consolations, S. 172: No. 4 in D-Flat Major. Quasi adagioFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Consolations, S. 172: No. 5 in E Major. AndantinoFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Consolations, S. 172: No. 6 in E Major. Allegretto sempre cantabileFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, S. 173: No. 9. Andante lagrimosoFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes
Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, S. 173: No. 8. Miserere, d'après Palestrina. LargoFranz Liszt, Leif Ove Andsnes