CD REVIEWS - Classical
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LISZT: HUNGARIAN RHAPSODIES (Hyperion 2CDs)
It looks like an everyday release of standard repertory - until you absorb the rest of the packaging information on this boxed set which tells you it's Volume 57 in Leslie Howard's series of the complete Liszt solo piano repertoire. And then
you do the arithmetic. One of the most extraordinary projects in recording history, this Liszt series has amounted to 95 CDs, 117 hours of music, and a near-unnatural dedication to a composer whose legacy is questionable in the reckoning of many pianists. Howard, these days, is its most persuasive advocate. He plays it musically, the swank reined in. And in saving the Hungarian Rhapsodies until last - for yes this is the final issue that completes the whole thing - he has saved what you might consider the best- known of the concert music. But not all the Rhapsodies are as well-known: there are perhaps a dozen that you practically never hear. So to the end, this series bristles with discoveries. It's been a grand achievement. You can only wonder what he'll turn to next.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments