Album insights
Many of Liszt's musical pieces are rare or yet to be published, often missing from existing catalogues. Some works, including alternative texts of familiar pieces, are still being unearthed. The selection features mostly rare pieces, with some unpublished and newly released compositions.
Extensive research over thirty years has been dedicated to Liszt's works, a project made possible with the help and support of numerous individuals. The 57th CD of this recording cycle is the perfect occasion to acknowledge those who provided copies and facilitated access to Liszt's elusive originals. Kenneth Souter, a key member of the Liszt Society, holds the finest collection of Liszt's first editions globally. Others like Michael Short, Lord Londonderry, Dr. Kenneth Hamilton, and Elgin Ronayne from various Liszt Society members also offered invaluable assistance.
The thematic catalog of Liszt's works references a piano solo version of the Prelude from the Longfellow Cantata "The Bells of Strasbourg Cathedral," codenamed S6. While this version was never published, a discovery in the Library of Congress revealed that the Prelude could be performed as a piano solo without the choir. Liszt's Excelsior! includes varied versions for different instrumentations, showcasing Liszt's diverse musical inspirations and connections with his religious beliefs.
The program includes recordings of Die Zelle in Nonnenwerth, highlighting Liszt's fondness for these pieces, where the melancholic themes resonate both piano versions. A previously unknown complete set of six pieces hints at a different facet of Liszt's early compositions, offering a fresh insight into his creative evolution.
Geharnischte Lieder and Rosario exemplify the diverse musical range of Liszt's compositions, drawing from various sources, including pieces originally written for chorus. Liszt's intricate compositions are a tribute to the complex layering of musical elements in his works, maintaining a consistent melancholic thread throughout.
Liszt's unpublished works like the Fanfare offer a glimpse into lesser-known aspects of his compositions, enriching our understanding of his musical legacy. The recording of Weimar's Folksong, marking the foundation of a monument to Prince Carl August, stands as a ceremonial tribute with unexpected moments of depth and beauty, showcasing Liszt's versatility as a composer.