Celebrate the enduring legacy of György Cziffra with "The Essential Classics: The 100th Anniversary," a captivating collection of his finest piano performances released in 2021. This album, released on the 100th anniversary of his birth, showcases Cziffra's virtuosic talent and deep musicality, featuring a diverse repertoire that spans the works of some of the most celebrated composers in classical music.
From the exhilarating "Grand galop chromatique" by Franz Liszt to the enchanting "Valse triste" by Jean Sibelius, each piece is a testament to Cziffra's technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity. The album includes iconic works such as Liszt's "Études d'exécution transcendante" and "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6," as well as Cziffra's own arrangements of beloved pieces like "An der schönen blauen Donau" by Johann Strauss II and "The Tale of Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Cziffra's dynamic interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these timeless compositions, making this album a treasure trove for both classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The Hungarian State Orchestra, conducted by Zoltán Rozsnyai, accompanies Cziffra on select tracks, adding depth and richness to the performances. With a duration of 1 hour and 24 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive and immersive listening experience that highlights the genius of György Cziffra and his enduring impact on the world of classical piano.