COMPOSERS: Liszt
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Hungarian Rhapsodies; Rhapsodie espagnole
PERFORMER: Georges Cziffra (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: CZS 7 67888 2 ADD (1957-59)
This dazzling compilation serves as a worthy memento of the great Hungarian pianist who died earlier this year. The earlier of his two recordings of the Rhapsodies, it shows Cziffra in mercurial form, bringing an inspired spontaneity to both the lyrical and the virtuosic aspects of the music. This freshness of approach succeeds in making even such tired warhorses as the Second Rhapsody utterly riveting. A mandatory recommendation for all Lisztians. Erik Levi
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies; Rhapsodie espagnole
This dazzling compilation serves as a worthy memento of the great Hungarian pianist who died earlier this year. The earlier of his two recordings of the Rhapsodies, it shows Cziffra in mercurial form, bringing an inspired spontaneity to both the lyrical and the virtuosic aspects of the music. This freshness of approach succeeds in making even such tired warhorses as the Second Rhapsody utterly riveting. A mandatory recommendation for all Lisztians. Erik Levi
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm