Liszt's valses oubliees

[cloches_de_geneve]

Has anyone here played Liszt's valses oubliees? I like them a lot and plan to start working on one or two them. As he wrote 4 of them I was wondering which one might be the best to start with. Any suggestions which of the four to pick (most beautiful, interesting, how hard...)??

And, yes, btw "Bagatelle without Tonality" is another piece that I would consider trying.

[nicko124]

My favourite is probably the rare fourth one but really they are all really nice.
They are also quite easy (it seems): I have never actually learnt them but from looking at the scores they are basic. Yet they have such a powerful effect despite the easy writing.

I wouldn't say that the fourth is easy though: see here to get the rare sheet music:-

https://www.gamingforce.com/forums/attachments/musicians-library/411-classical-sheet-music-liszt-valse-oubliee-no-4.pdf?d=1141554355

If you are interested in a recording of Leslie Howard playing it, let me know.
I have a lot of the Leslie Howard Liszt CDs.

[cloches_de_geneve]

My favourite is probably the rare fourth one but really they are all really nice.
They are also quite easy (it seems): I have never actually learnt them but from looking at the scores they are basic. Yet they have such a powerful effect despite the easy writing.

I wouldn't say that the fourth is easy though: see here to get the rare sheet music:-

https://www.gamingforce.com/forums/attachments/musicians-library/411-classical-sheet-music-liszt-valse-oubliee-no-4.pdf?d=1141554355

If you are interested in a recording of Leslie Howard playing it, let me know.
I have a lot of the Leslie Howard Liszt CDs.

Thanks a lot, that's very nice of you. Actually, I just ordered the L. Howard CD you mention a few days ago and can't wait to get it. From what you say, I will have a special look (or ear) at the fourth ...

It seems to me that the valses are not performed that often, possibly because they are considered too "easy" for impressing critics with technique. But I always found that there is something amazing about the late Liszt, the harmonies he uses are unique and sometimes create an uncanny, almost sinister atmosphere.

[nicko124]

I haven't actually got the Liszt ''Waltzes'' Cd that you are probably talking about. I got the Valse Oubliee No 4 from the Leslie Howard 'Introduction to Complete Recording'.

Earl Wild performs the first Valse Oubliee as did Horowitz, it seems to be the most popular of the four.
I really like the 2nd Valse though, it has a lot of interesting things going on and it's very forward looking in it's style.