Customer Reviews

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Vol. 1

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

 

 

I own four recordings of the complete rhapsodies, including the
Cziffra mentioned above, and this (Vol. 13 completes the set) is by
far my favorite. Two qualities stand out here--the pianist's obvious
love and enjoyment of what he is playing, and his clear sense of the
"story" that each piece tells. Several of the
infrequently-heard rhapsodies have here a distinct character that, to
me at least, "makes sense" for the first time. Jando's
improvisations are always intelligent and convincing (whereas I find
Szidon's rather weird and his playing rather muddy), and his reading
of #12 is especially moving. The sound quality is also brilliant, and
of course at the price the CD's are a steal.

Volume 12 of Naxos' Complete Piano Music of Liszt features the return of Jeno Jando, who creates an invigorating and fiery rendition of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies. Obviously the Lisztians out there who prefer their Cziffra will not find this disc appealing. Indeed, the main attraction of this Volume (and the following Vol. 13) is the Naxos budget price. Essentially, this recording is for the Liszt neophytes who have perhaps heard a few of the Rhapsodies and want them all on recording. Despite this admission, I think Jando's complete recordings of the Rhapsodies are outstanding, and certainly outclass Howard's and Campanella's.

Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies have stirred much debate about authentic "Hungarian" music, as opposed to gypsy music, and Bartok and Kodaly have tackled the subject for those interested. Yet Liszt wrote an impassioned book about gypsy music and his Rhapsodies show ingenious assimilation and transcription of the verbunkos and other Hungarian folk music. Beyond that, Liszt's 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies reveal an impressive range of style and music content. Each one is different, original, and utterly compelling, whether through bravura or emotional depth. Jando's interpretations may not please everyone, but he is undeniably technically adroit and quite passionate. I don't think anyone can match the fire of Cziffra, but Jando's lyricism makes up for it; his outpouring is marked by greater warmth and in the dark moments, he can be effectively brooding.

The First Rhapsody is especially pleasing and Jando understands the improvisatory character of this work rather well; from tender reflections to grandiose flourishes, Jando infuses this Rhapsody with potency. Jando does fine in the Second Rhapsody, which is probably the most well-known piano composition after "Für Elise." He is a little rushed in the lassan, but knows how to generate thrilling music out of the friska (fast) section. I was surprised by Jando's excellent delivery in the Third and Fifth Rhapsodies; his renditions of the morbid and angst-ridden sections are breathtaking. Jando handles the Sixth Rhapsody with expertise and musicality, too. There's no doubting his virtuosity after hearing the final section, which he unleashes with virtuosic splash and fury. In the tempestuous and dazzling Seventh Rhapsody, Jando accomplishes better results than Cziffra, I think. Jando's technical sheen and dynamic control are truly admirable. Jando also rivals Cziffra in the profound and heart-rending Eighth Rhapsody. This particular work is a neglected gem of the 19 Rhapsodies; both slow and fast sections are dramatic and arresting in beauty.

I feel honor-bound to mention the recording sound because some individuals have had misgivings about Jando's humming (yet few scold Gould for it). Occasionally, Jando grunts, sighs or hums, but it is really faint; you have to have this music blasting in the dead silence of the night to hear such particles of sound. Honestly, I rarely notice it and am never annoyed, but some people just can't stand such things and I feel obligated to relay this.

Bottom line: This is Liszt at his melancholic, demonic, jubilant and virtuosic best. Each Rhapsody is a hair-raising and titanic powerhouse of a virtuoso piece. Jando may not surpass Cziffra, but he leaves Howard behind, and rivals many others with his fine balance of technical perfection and lyricism.

Once again listeners are treated to one of the world's most talented pianists, Jénö Jandó, with yet another outstanding performance - again at "discount price". Jandó elegantly manages to recite the Hungarian Rhapsodies with an incredible amount of skill, masterful interpretation, professionalism, and virtuosity alike. Every recording Jénö Jandó has made for Naxos has been of the highest standard, and it is clear that Jandó has no intention of lowering those standards. Espescially to Liszt-admirers, this recording will raise the levels of adrenaline in the blood!

Liszt is always a good time, but I think this CD lacks a little in the feeling category. It is a very helpful tool to discover what the piece sounds like when all the notes are hit, which is good for musicians such as myself, where it can take a while to get an idea of how the song should go. This CD leaves the interpretation arena open, however, because I think Jando focuses mainly on getting it right (and pretty much perfect) instead of how he feels about what he's playing.

My grandmother was of the higher echelons of Austrian/Hungarian Society back
before WW1. This is the music she would listen to. Mr. Liszt was of the same
group as she. I love that! I will listen to the music as I daydream of riding horses
through the mists of the Hungarian Plain, and dream of rest along the banks of a clean Danube.

There are much better versions of List.
I would recommend you listen to other
versions.