Search - Franz Liszt, Paul Lewis :: Liszt: Sonata in B minor

Paul Lewis studied with Alfred Brendel, so it's not surprising that he takes a similarly thoughtful approach to the Liszt Sonata. Both pianists emphasize structure and avoid the temptation of turning the work into either a melodrama or a flashy showpiece. Lewis' stance pays dividends as it allows Liszt's lyricism to blossom, and the music sounds more cogent and mainstream under his fingers. The Sonata is a many-sided work that easily accommodates multiple views, so if you have such classic, and differing, versions like those of Richter, Horowitz or Arrau, Lewis' is a fine, and for some, a preferable alternative. Half the disc is devoted to Liszt's remarkable late piano works, mostly grim short pieces whose occasional dissonances and harmonic adventurousness explore new horizons, and sound modern even to today's ears. Lewis excels in these elusive pieces, playing them with imagination and understated virtuosity. --Dan Davis