Immerse yourself in the virtuoso world of Franz Liszt with this captivating collection of operatic paraphrases and transcriptions. Released in 1993, this album showcases Liszt's unparalleled skill in transforming operatic masterpieces into stunning piano works. The album features a diverse range of compositions, including paraphrases from Verdi's "Rigoletto," Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" and "Parisina," and Wagner's "Tannhäuser" and "Tristan und Isolde." Liszt's unique approach to these pieces, often referred to as paraphrases, aims to capture the essence of specific operatic scenes, offering a fresh and intimate perspective on these beloved works.
The album opens with the dramatic "Concert Paraphrase on Rigoletto," followed by the elegant "Concert Waltz on two themes from Lucia and Parisina." Liszt's transcription of the waltz from Gounod's "Faust" is a highlight, showcasing his ability to infuse operatic melodies with piano virtuosity. The album also includes transcriptions from Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" and Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," demonstrating Liszt's versatility and deep understanding of various musical styles.
Each track is a testament to Liszt's genius, blending technical brilliance with profound musical insight. The album's duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes provides a comprehensive journey through Liszt's operatic transcriptions, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned Liszt aficionado or new to his works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.