Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Franz Liszt with "Life, Love & Afterlife: A Liszt Recital," a mesmerizing collection of 13 tracks that showcase the virtuoso's extraordinary range and depth. Released on April 21, 2017, by Onyx Classics, this album spans a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical piano compositions that explore the themes of life, love, and the afterlife.
Dejan Lazić, a renowned pianist, brings Liszt's works to life with his masterful interpretations. The album opens with the energetic "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 18, S. 244," followed by the enchanting "Two Csardas, S. 225." Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage" series is well-represented, with selections from both the third and second supplements, including the evocative "Les Jeux d'eaux à Villa d'Este" and the lively "Gondoliera - Venezia e Napoli."
The album also features Liszt's paraphrases and fantasies on themes from other composers, such as the dramatic "Paraphrase de concert sur Rigoletto, S. 434" and the intense "Phantasiestück über Motive aus 'Rienzi', S. 439." Schubert's "Erlkönig" and the haunting "Isoldens Liebestod" from Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" are also masterfully rendered.
"Life, Love & Afterlife" is a testament to Liszt's enduring influence and Lazić's exceptional skill. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Liszt's works, this album offers a compelling journey through some of the composer's most celebrated and profound pieces.