Search - Franz Liszt :: Liszt: The Original Piano Roll Recordings

Piano Virtuosity at its Finest

David | Houston, Texas, USA | 05/07/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW! WOW! WOW! I was blown away by these recordings!



What is truly amazing to me is that these recordings were made between 1914 and 1927; audio recordings during that era were pathetic by modern standards, but these reproducing piano recordings are virtually perfect in their fidelity to the original. It's hard to imagine that we can hear the piano greats from that era in high quality digital sound today!



This album includes 2 CD's which have recordings by nine male pianists and one female pianist of this early 20th century period. The piano rolls which were made during this period were preserved, as were a considerable number of the reproducing pianos of the time. If the performing artist approved of the recording, they would sign the original roll signifying their approval of the recording. It is my understanding that the roll would not be distributed without the signature. The digital recordings were made using the rolls in a reproducing piano in 1992. Another thing special about these recordings is that they have a truly authentic piano sound; one can close one's eyes and almost believe the piano is at the other end of the room!



Any piano music enthusiast, either performer or listener, should be excited by the opportunity these recordings offer; a chance to hear the piano greats whose performances would have otherwise been lost. I count it a loss that no comparable technology was available to record the human voice; I would love to hear a high fidelity recording of Caruso in his prime!



I have always enjoyed the drama of Liszt's music and these recordings do not disappoint in that regard. We hear Liszt played with passion and fervor in a manner that would have the audience standing to applaud. The second disc features eight of the Hungarian Rhapsody's including the 14th. I had to go back and play that one again it was so daringly and dramatically played by Ignace Friedmann in 1924.



If you're not interested in classical piano music presented in outstanding performances then this disc is not for you. If, on the other hand, you do enjoy well performed piano music, and especially Liszt, then this is a recording you shouldn't miss!"