Search - Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Franz Liszt, Kurt Masur :: Liszt: Symphonic Poems (Les Preludes, Mazeppa, Tasso, Orpheus)

Orchestral Shopping Liszt

Moldyoldie | Motown, USA | 11/23/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I wasn't familiar with these pieces before hearing this disc, though I've long been familiar with the titles. While the early tone poem form is mainly a linear musical story-telling device, one needn't necessarily be familiar with the underlying programs to derive listening enjoyment...but it probably helps. Some of these works present stretches of mundane descriptive melody and inelaborate orchestration. However, they often build and progress to extended, rousingly satisfying conclusions. Masur and the Leipzig Orchestra are brilliantly precise in their execution, if seemingly a touch restrained. Though I'm unfamiliar with the works, I can certainly imagine more passionate and expressive performances. The early digital recording presents an up-close and broadly vivid soundstage with a bit of steeliness in the violins that can belie their natural timbre, though it shouldn't be a hindrance to enjoyment as the fine ensemble playing is actually a pleasure in itself. The combination of precise execution and close recording perspective certainly allows one to "get inside" these pieces. I imagine fans of Liszt and novice listeners alike will appreciate the technical facility on display here. However, though it has its moments, I can't say I was made an immediate fan of this music.



(FYI, this has been re-released in EMI's budget Encore series with the addition of Mephisto Waltz No. 2. Liszt Tasso- Les Preludes)"