Customer Reviews

Bradshaw & Buono Play Liszt

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What could be better than the music of a master at the piano? The music of TWO masters at the piano--this duo is truly exceptional and sound as one. The sonority and pianistic touch of each pianist blends perfectly with the other to create a truly transcendental musical experience. Bradshaw and Buono have done the virtually impossible in this CD in rendering one of the greatest, most memorable recordings of Franz Liszt. This CD should be in the collection of every pianist, for in it are great lessons of tonal quality, virtuoso technique with immense lyricism and deep feeling. The music-making of Bradshaw and Buono has been Grammy-nominated, so the person who gives this recording a less than stellar review is not aware of the components of world-class international performances. This is truly a historic recording.

I personally think that the comment written above has been made by someone who is completely ignorant of musical talent. Buono and Bradshaw play Lizt's pieces with such emotion, conviction, and technical skill that Lizt would applaud from his grave. They playfully dance with one another's piano and are able to create moving harmonies and powerful passages. This is a wonderful CD and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

I'm sure Bradshaw and Buono are good pianists. However, in their eagerness to prove this they've embellished Liszt's score with unnecessary, atonal flourishes to the point of annoyance. I could only bear to listen to the first few tracks. Their rendition of Hungarian Rhapsody must have Liszt spinning in his grave. Even if they'd stuck closer to the original score, they play so far out of sync with each other you'd think they were competing - not playing a duet.

This truely is a terrible CD. I doubt I'll ever play it again. I wonder if I could donate it to charity and get a tax writeoff.