Liszt: Symphonic Poems

 

While I may have been enthusiastic regarding this recording some 30 years ago, my views have greatly tempered, especially as I have strove to 'get' orchestral Liszt.

Comparing these to Kurt Masur, a set I am currently going through, is an excellent case point. Here, Mehta is overly smooth with smaller peaks and valleys, although I still enjoy the sonics in his performance of Hunnenschlacht. Conversely, this makes for a rather sleepy Orpheus, and the many chamber-like longueurs spread throughout Liszt's long works are interminable to these ears.

Masur, on the other hand, gets right to the point, plus he is punchier and more willing to turn on a dime than Mehta, elements Liszt's long tone poems often require. Not a necessary recording of Liszt, maybe except perhaps for lovers of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

A review from 2000

Liszt is accredited with inventing the Symphonic/Tone Poem and these are some of his big ones. Most are inspired by a literary source rather than a visual one, but Liszt paints some very drammatic pictures. This modern recording of Symphonic Poems renders a true picture of Liszt's wild imagination.

His most famous, Les Preludes, is played magnificently, featuring a quirky little melody, erupting in a glorious ending.

Hamlet and Orpheus are the quieter selections of this recording and played with stunning beauty. The harps of Orpheus bring a brilliant shine to the music, and the drama of Hamlet is wrung-out in a truly revolutionary, yet Shakespearian manner.

The two showstoppers, however, are Mazeppa and Hunnenschlacht. In both the brass takes over and blasts away the rest of the program. While both are truly exciting, it is the Battle of the Huns that features organ in a most majesterial manner, on this particular recording, it creates a gothic feeling, adding to the wild Bohemian nature of Liszt's writing.

No need to worry, Zubin Mehta, as the wrangler of the Berlin Philharmonic, has let his wild steeds buck in this recording while keeping them fenced in. All aspects of the sound, interpretation, and performance are pristine, with great color and imagination. If you are a true music lover this CD is a must. If you are new to the orchestral music of Liszt this will be far from a disappointment. If you love exciting music in a romantic fashion, click on order this CD.

 

 

Works
Les Préludes
Orpheus
Mazeppa
Hamlet
Hunnenschlacht

Ensembles
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Zubin Mehta, conductor

Label: Sony
Year: 1997
Total Timing: 73.02

 

 

This would no longer be my first stop to hear some of Liszt's symphonic poems, although the Sony sonics are good, and it is always a pleasure to hear the Berlin PO.

I haven't quite pitched this recording yet, though. Perhaps The Kraken will have his day with this one sometime in the future.

 

 

 

Find more Bizet recordings HERE!