Beethoven: Reflections

This original concept-CD presents three works by Beethoven as reflected in the eye and mind of another composer, and transmitted to another medium, the piano solo.

Franz Liszt transcribed Beethoven's 9 symphonies for piano solo, a colossal enterprise of far-reaching importance: not only he made this music thus accessable for a wide audience who could not hear the symphonic works otherwise, but he also created a new work of art in itself. The iconic 5th Symphony recorded here retains all of its demonic power and intensity, the near-impossible piano writing adding to a sense of high-strung tension and drama.

Charles-Valentin Alkan was one of the greatest pianists and piano-composers of the 19th century. Apart from his substantial output of original piano works (and hów original they are!) he made a transcription of the first movement of Beethoven's 3rd Piano Concerto, integrating the by no means easy piano solo part in the orchestral structure. A special feat is Alkan's own cadenza, a lengthy and insane outpouring of Beethovenian frenzy, even quoting the triumphant theme from the finale of Beethoven's 5th symphony!

As a bonus we hear Beethoven's "An die ferne Geliebte" in a transcription of Franz Liszt. This second recording for Piano Classics by young Italian pianist Leonardo Pierdomenico firmly establishes his position as one of the most promising artists of his generation.