Search - Franz Liszt, Konstantin Scherbakov :: Liszt: Beethoven Symphony 2 & 5 (Piano Transcriptions)

Partitions with prowess

Michael Whincop | GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, QLD AUSTRALIA | 12/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of the Beethoven symphony transcriptions. If the disk is any indication, it will be an invaluable series indeed. Scherbakov has made some excellent recordings of heavy-end virtuoso material, including Godowsky's Bach transcriptions for Marco Polo. He does not fall short at any point. These transcriptions are formidable technical essays, even though Liszt's fidelity to Beethoven was sufficiently great to eschew unnecessary frills and adornment. Scherbakov plays them straight -- no real interpretive liberties are taken -- with a muscular technique that makes light of their challenges. The highlights are the wonderful slow movement in the second, and the thrilling finale of the fifth. One registers anew one's fascination with these Beethoven works. The recording is good, and, for the price, it's difficult to see how you could go wrong buying it."

Liszt's Monument to Beethoven

Hexameron | 07/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 15 in Naxos' Complete Piano Music of Liszt series is a sensational blockbuster: Liszt's piano transcription of Beethoven's Second and Fifth symphonies performed by the accomplished Konstantin Scherbakov. For Lisztians and collectors who relish their Cyprien Katsaris recording(s) (Beethoven/Liszt: Symphonies Nos. 1-9), this release may not be worth buying. Katsaris is simply indomitable because his recording presents the Liszt piano transcriptions with extra doubling and slight alterations in the service of producing greater sonority. However, I believe Scherbakov eradicates all other contenders, namely Gould and Howard. And if you want a stellar interpretation of Beethoven's symphonies, Scherbakov's artistry here is recommendable. Yet this recording may not be desirable for those seeking all of Scherbakov's Beethoven-Liszt: instead of just buying this release, I would recommend purchasing the box set (Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9 Transcribed by Liszt [Box Set]).



In the preface to his edition of the piano transcriptions Liszt says: "The name of Beethoven is sacred in art. His symphonies are nowadays universally recognized as masterpieces. No one who seriously desires to extend his knowledge, or create something new himself, can ever devote sufficient thought to them, or ever study them enough." Liszt's reverence for Beethoven is evident and his genius in the art of transcription has done tremendous things with Beethoven's symphonic works. Liszt's transcriptions capture all of the orchestral effects, textures, and more importantly, the spirit of Beethoven. As such, I don't think even the purists who lambaste "piano reductions" can find fault with Liszt's magnum achievement.



Scherbakov performs the colossal Second and Fifth symphonies with beauty of tone, clarity, and a masterful touch of nuance. Beethoven's works do not become merely skeleton piano reductions, but breathe as rich, full-textured, and dynamically engrossing piano music. The lovely classical texture of the Second Symphony is totally suitable for piano and Liszt's transcription is faithful; Scherbakov's playing is clean and animated. One should even adore Liszt's success in capturing the same "flatulence" effect of the Second Symphony's "Allegro molto." In the Fifth Symphony, Scherbakov establishes himself as a titanic pianist capable of handling all of the technical demands. Moreover, he conveys an agreeable tempo and commands the surging power of Beethoven's great dramatic work. Whereas Howard seems a little messy and Gould seems cold and mechanical, Scherbakov evokes Beethoven: he musically snarls, smiles and shouts through each movement.



Bottom line: Any fan of good piano music, virtuosic piano music, and Beethoven's piano music, should find this recording revelatory. Truly, an understanding of Beethoven's symphonies is more likely when they are heard on a different medium. In this case, Liszt not only illuminates the subtleties and intricate voicing, but creates rousing piano works. It's difficult to find any reason not to buy this recording unless one already owns Katsaris's or would like to own all of Scherbakov's Beethoven-Liszt, in which case I recommend buying the box set. While I feel Katsaris's recordings are supreme, I must still endorse Scherbakov. He is a pianist of quality fiber who plays with panache and brings much-needed technical excellence and musical verve to Beethoven's (and Liszt's) works of art."

Priceless!

Jose Vitteri | Lawrence, KS United States | 02/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We all recongnize the greatness of Beethoven's synphonies, and the incredible ability of Franz Liszt to play. These transcriptions are very much loyal to the original orchestral scores. One will almost need 4 hands to play them, but Konstantin Scherbakov does a UNIQUE job. Leslie Howard also recorded the transcriptions, but personally I think Scherbakov does a much cleaner job. Go to Howard if you are looking for the 7th, Scherbakov has not yet published it. The 5th symphony sounds just amazing in the piano, and the 4th movement has to be about the hardest piano pieces I've ever heard."