Album insights
The project at hand concludes with the 93rd and 94th CDs, comprising the 57th segment of Ferenc Liszt's complete solo piano works. Following the peculiarities of the penultimate part, we now delve into some of Liszt's best-known (although not necessarily best understood) works, the Hungarian Rhapsodies. Liszt's amalgamation of Hungarian folk music with popular compositions used by Gypsy musicians may not align with the ethos of 20th-century music ethnology, yet his effort to promote all the music he knew from his homeland was as admirable as it was righteous.
While there are insightful studies on the origins of many themes in the Rhapsodies, the topic is too intricate to condense for this introduction. Credit is due to Zoltán Gárdonyi's excellent article "A Chronology of Ferenc Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies" and David Clegg's subsequent observations. Liszt, who deviated from his earlier Hungarian piano works, extensively employed materials from his initial cycle of Hungarian songs and rhapsodies in Rapsodies hongroises III–XV. The later works demonstrate a stronger connection to Hungary, especially with Rhapsodies XVI–XVIII being exclusively in the Hungarian style.
This recording features the main texts of the pieces in question. Various older versions and interpretations can be found in the 56th part of the complete edition. The Hungarian Rhapsodies, distinct for their slow lassú and fast friss sections, exude a remarkable range of expression. The editors of the New Liszt Edition highlight the significance of these works in dispelling past misconceptions and emphasizing the nuances of Liszt's Hungarian-folk studies.
Specific details regarding Liszt's various Rhapsodies, like the origins of themes in Rhapsodies III, IV, and V, remain mysterious. These pieces reflect a blend of traditional Hungarian melodies and dance forms, alongside Liszt's innovative adaptations and compositions. Each Rhapsody unveils a unique interplay of complexity and virtuosity, echoing Liszt's profound musical depth.
Overall, Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies serve as a testament to his creative genius and deep-rooted connection to Hungarian musical traditions. Through their intricate compositions and diverse thematic explorations, these works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing Liszt's enduring legacy in the realm of classical piano music.