Search - Liszt, Francesco Libetta :: Complete Wagner Transcriptions

Bravo, Libetta, and Bravo Liszt!

Adam Kubik | Buffalo, NY USA | 01/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-CD set contains fine playing from the fingertips of Francesco Libetta. He brings off Liszt's virtuosic style with boldness and panache, yet he handles the softer passages with great tenderness. It is the mark of a great Romantic pianist to express the full emotional gamut with such superb mastery.I must comment on the last work recorded here: Liszt's transcription of the March to the Holy Grail from Wagner's Parsifal. To speak more accurately, this is really a fantasy on themes from the opera, and not a transcription of the march. Liszt begins and ends with the famous bell motif from that opera, and it is this motif which dominates the piece. Liszt also utilizes the Grail motif and the motif of the "pure fool" (Durch Mitleid wissend, der reiner Tor). The whole piece is dominated by the same deep, solemn, religious grandeur, and is a very moving work (especially to one who is familiar with the opera). Anyone who appreciates Wagner's great last work will be impressed by Liszt's use of its thematic material in this piano solo medium.And anyone familiar with the operas of Wagner really should be acquainted with these Liszt transcriptions. The Parsifal piece alone is worth the price of the set."

Exquisite Playing

Inti S. Honik | El Bolson, Argentina | 02/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Undoubtedly, Francesco is one of today's most gifted pianists. His ultra-refined search for sound and musicality are some of his most impressive qualities. Furthermore, his technical mastery is so great that the virtuoso does not have to show off with great, fast and loud passages to demonstrate his genius. A really touching recording!"