Immerse yourself in the virtuoso world of Lazar Berman with this captivating album, "Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Liszt: Piano Music," released on July 15, 2014, by Hungaroton. This exquisite collection showcases Berman's mastery of the classical piano, featuring a blend of Prokofiev's dynamic Piano Concerto No. 1 and a selection of Liszt's most transcendent works.
The album opens with Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1, a piece that demands technical brilliance and emotional depth, all of which Berman delivers with aplomb. The three movements—Allegro brioso, Andante assai, and Allegro scherzando—are performed with a precision and passion that highlight Berman's extraordinary talent.
Following the concerto, the album delves into Liszt's repertoire, including the ethereal "Harmonies du soir" from the Études d'exécution transcendante, the poignant "Funerailles" from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, and the lively "Pesther Carneval" from the Hungarian Rhapsodies. Each piece is a testament to Berman's ability to convey the full range of human emotion through his playing.
The album concludes with the spirited "Folies d'Espagne et jota aragonesa" from Rhapsodie espagnole and the exhilarating Toccata, Op. 11, leaving the audience in awe of Berman's technical prowess and artistic sensitivity. With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album is a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast.