By RD69547
24-Jul-2010

Stimulating Symphonic Sonata  

Liszt's famous piano sonata is given only a standard performance by Kozlova, as she lacks the passion this great work offers and demands, however, the extremely rare symphonic transcription of this great work by Weiner is indeed a joy to hear.

I have often wondered why Ravel's Pictures at an Exhibition has been played so often as to confuse new listeners into thinking it was the original, and not Mussorgsky's piano work, and yet Liszt's Sonata in B minor has always been performed in its original version, never giving listeners the opportunity to hear this expansive work in another form. Certainly Liszt's Sonata is so massive in form and technique as to feel like a symphony for the piano, so this work lends itself to orchestration very well. In fact I have always listened to this Sonata feeling as though I were listening to a symphony, so it was with great pleasure to hear this world premiere recording of this forgotten treasure.

I hope Weiner's transcription for Liszt's Funerallies gets recorded as well. These are important works by Liszt, and to allow listeners the chance to hear these works in symphonic form is important, as it stimulates interest and further live performances, since Liszt is too often neglected in symphony halls; his piano works being played far more often in small venues.

Pasquet does a fine job leading the orchestra and makes this grand work soar. Actually I give his performance 5 stars, yet I only gave 4 stars in total due to Kozlova's average performance of the piano version. But Liszt's symphonic Sonata will delight not only Liszt lovers but also many who rarely, if ever, get to hear his works played in public. Highly recommended.
more....