Search - Franz Liszt, Andras Ligeti, Ferenc Liszt Academy Orchestra :: Liszt: A Faust Symphony

A bargain Faust Symphony

Robert Mcgowan | Hatboro, Pa USA | 09/09/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I first encountered this fabulous work many years ago in the recording by Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic. I bought the better sounding Solti recording a few years back and then just out of curiosity bought this version. Well,it's not as dramatic as either of the other two but it does have the benefit of having a conductor in charge who has definite ideas as to how the piece should go.He doesn't play up the histrionics in the work preferring instead to concentrate on it's musical content. The orchestra apparently is made up of students from the Franz Liszt Academy. No,they don't always sound like professionals and the string are a bit undernourished. The musicians sound better in the music's more intimate moments and seem a bit taxed in the more dramatic sections of the work. They generally play well but there's just not enough heat generated. The tenor isn't much to write home about but the male chorus does an adequate job. Recorded sound is good if just a little dry.

This is a good introduction to Liszt's greatest orchestral work. If you're the least bit interested in Franz Liszt try this Cd. You can later move on to more dramatic performances after you cut your teeth on this inexpensive offering from the always dependable people at Naxos."

Purposeful

David Saemann | 02/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is there really a place for a student orchestra's recording of A Faust Symphony? In the hands of Andras Ligeti there is. He first came to my attention in his Laserlight recordings of Liszt's works for piano and orchestra with Jeno Jando. Even though the string sound of this orchestra is hardly opulent, and the first chairs, particularly the oboe, are a little rough, this is a highly compelling reading. One advantage of using a student orchestra is that there often is more rehearsal time for the conductor. This orchestra sounds scrupulously rehearsed in its details and balances. There is nothing unusual about the interpretation, but everything sounds nuanced and passionate. Perhaps this would not be a first choice among Faust Symphony recordings, but it is highly charged and vital, certainly an engrossing accomplishment."