Tristan

Igor Levit's double album "Tristan" is a profound exploration of nocturnal themes, delving into the complexities of love, death, fear, ecstasy, loneliness, and redemption. Released on Sony Classical on 9 September 2022, this masterpiece weaves together the works of Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt, Gustav Mahler, and Hans Werner Henze, showcasing Levit's technical prowess and emotional depth.

The album commences with Liszt's enchanting Liebestraum No. 3, setting the tone for a sombre and introspective journey. Levit's interpretation of Henze's "Tristan" is a central piece, navigating the listener through a soundscape of austere beauty. The inclusion of Mahler's Adagio, arranged for solo piano by Ronald Stevenson, adds a poignant layer to the album, highlighting the transcendent quality of Levit's playing.

Throughout the album, Levit demonstrates his remarkable ability to convey the essence of each composer's work, from the haunting Prelude to "Tristan und Isolde" to the sublime Transcendental Études by Liszt. The result is a cohesive and deeply moving listening experience, one that lingers long after the final notes have faded.

With "Tristan", Igor Levit has created a work of immense power and beauty, one that will resonate with fans of classical piano and beyond. This album is a testament to Levit's innovative spirit and his capacity to craft a narrative that is both personal and universally relatable. As a whole, "Tristan" is a masterful achievement, one that showcases Levit's artistry and cements his position as a leading figure in the world of classical music.