Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical piano with Lazar Berman's "Lazar Berman Plays Liszt and Rachmaninov." This album, released on January 1, 2006, under the IDIS label, is a testament to Berman's virtuosity and his deep connection with the romantic repertoire. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 48 minutes, the album features a meticulously curated selection of pieces that showcase Berman's technical prowess and artistic sensitivity.
The album opens with Rachmaninov's "6 Moments musicaux, Op. 16," a series of character pieces that range from the introspective Andantino of the first movement to the fiery Presto of the fourth. Berman's interpretation brings out the nuanced emotions and technical challenges of each piece, offering a comprehensive exploration of Rachmaninov's compositional genius.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Liszt's "Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139," a collection of etudes that push the boundaries of piano technique. Berman's renditions are nothing short of breathtaking, with each study revealing a new facet of his artistry. From the lyrical "Paysage" to the dramatic "Mazeppa," Berman's playing is both precise and expressive, capturing the essence of each piece.
The album concludes with two additional works: Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: Annees de pelerinage, Book II, Italie" and Rachmaninov's "10 Preludes, Op. 23: Prelude in G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5." These pieces serve as a fitting finale to an album that is as varied as it is profound.
Lazar Berman, often hailed as one of the greatest pianists of his generation, brings a wealth of experience and insight to this recording. His playing is marked by a rare combination of technical brilliance and emotional depth, making this album a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast. Whether you are a seasoned listener or new to the world of classical piano, "Lazar Berman Plays Liszt and Rachmaninov" is an album that will leave a lasting impression.
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 16: No. 6 in C Major: MaestosoSergei Rachmaninoff, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 1 in C Major, "Preludio"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 2 in A Minor, "Fusées"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 3 in F Major, "Paysage"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 4 in D Minor, "Mazeppa"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 5 in B-Flat Major, "Feux follets"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 6 in G Minor, "Vision"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 7 in E-Flat Major, "Eroica"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 8 in C Minor, "Wilde Jagd"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 9 in A-Flat Major, "Ricordanza"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 10 in F Minor, "Appassionata"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 11 in D-Flat Major, "Harmonies du soir"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 139: No. 12 in B-Flat Minor, "Chasse-neige"Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: Annees de pelerinage, Book II, Italie: No. 5, Sonetto del Petrarca No.104 (Pace non trovo), S. 161/R. 10b/5Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
10 Preludes, Op. 23: Prelude in G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5Sergei Rachmaninoff, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage, 1ère année "Suisse", S. 160: Annees de pelerinage, 1st year, Switzerland, S. 160/R. 10: No. 5, OrageFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
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