Liszt's Benediction de Dieux dans la Solitude

[cloches_de_geneve]

When I came across this piece, I was speechless. It put me in a state of bliss. I have now started to learn it. The first couple of pages seem manageable.

Anyone played this? How come it is played so rarely in performances?

[cmg]

Yes, in my student days, and I don't think I ever enjoyed working on a piece more than this one.  It's very pianistic.  For me the hardest pages were the very beginning with the right-hand accompaniment figure -- not so easy if your hand isn't very large, but once you get used to the stretch, it begins to feel quite natural.  And that great central section is one of Liszt's most inspired creations.  I've been reworking this piece recently after many years and I'd forgotten just how much fun it is to play.  Gorgeous sound by the truck-load and -- compared to Chopin -- it's not a terror to perform at all.  Why it's not played more is a mystery to me to, but I think it had its "conservatory fashion" for awhile, then drifted off to a relative oblivion.

Have you heard Arrau's recording?  Incredible.  Hough does a wonderful job, too. 

Enjoy!

[thierry13]

Sheets/records anyone ?

[donjuan]

Benediction of God in Solitude..  this piece is so beautiful.  If I had some alcohol and street drugs while I listened, I might just be convinced to convert to roman catholicism (Liszt's religion).

I heard Arrau's recording a while ago, and it blew me away.  Unfortunately, I can't find it anymore.  does anyone know a place to download?

[jre58591]

hamelin's live recordings are tear-jerkers (in a good way).

[cloches_de_geneve]

Thanks for the feedback and indications of recordings. I know of three great recordings, Arrau, Brendel, and Jorge Bolet (even though the Brendel is on LP and I am not sure it was ever reproduced as CD). Personally, I like Brendel's recording most.

It's hard to believe that this gem went into near-oblivion. At the same time it now has the advantage to be a "hidden masterpiece", out there to be taken for innovative pianists who want to put something different onto their programs.

The first couple of pages look intimidating, especially to those that do not have a large right hand. Indeed, pianists with small to medium sized RH can probably not play these pages. For the others it feels a bit awkward at the beginning, but with time the positions become more and more comfortable. (Btw: It has etude-like effects on the RH because it strengthens the fingers, especially the 4th).

As for downloads I cannot help unfortunately. However it is part of a collection of pieces entitled "Harmonies poetiques et religeuses". Maybe a special request can be made to the managers of pianostreet.