Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies

Franz Liszt (Composer), Roberto Szidon (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Roberto Szidon
• Composer: Franz Liszt
• Audio CD (April 15, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GY4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,538 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robotic?, November 19, 2005

By 

Yi HW "ape2man" (a cosmopolitan bound by the ROK nationality) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies (Audio CD)

Let me tell you something. I personally respect everyone's taste. But in this case I have an objection to the point raised by a couple of reviewers.

What is the robotic playing? Szidon's playing is not robotic at all although his approach may be controversial. Yes. His approach is quiet different from other pianists. And I admit that it can make listeners love or hate this album. But it does not prove that his playing is robotic or mechanical.

Actually his approach is highly creative and individual. He has a strong personality whether you like it or not. At least, Szidon can be compared with Cziffra on strong personality essential to express so-called 'Gypsy Spirit'. He has a big mechanism, power, alertness to be a good Lisztean, too.

Indeed the term 'Robotic' may go to Campanella and Yundi Li. They are very good pianists with beautiful sonority but not suitable to Liszt. The Liszt's works always needs multi-dimensional talent and Szidon has it.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent, super virtuoso performances, December 29, 1998

By 

Bob ([e-mail]) (Northridge, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies (Audio CD)

Roberto Szidon is undoubtedly one of the greatest living pianists of our time. His Deutsche Grammophon recordings(circa 70's)of Villa Lobos, the Scriabin Sonatas, and especially, of Charles Ives' Concord Sonata put today's more modestly equipped celebrity pianists to shame. This complete set of the Hungarian Rhapsodies is a precious reminder of Szidon's powers at their most glorious. Please, please !!! Let's not let this transcendental artist languish in obscurity any longer! Szidon needs to return to center stage where he so rightfully belongs. At the very least, DG absolutely needs to reissue his Concord Sonata performance which is the greatest recording of the work, period. DG, d'ya hear?!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Virtuosic and beautiful...a brilliant performance!, October 24, 2005

By 

dm "danmc15" (rochester, ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liszt: The 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies (Audio CD)

Szidon plays these pieces wonderfully. Of course, you may not realize this if you've only heard Cziffra's version and think that they are supposed to be played with a rubber mallet and aren't well done if the piano is still standing after the performance.

I can't comment on others', besides an occassional piece by Hofmann, interpretations, but I can say that Szidon stands way above Cziffra in these works.