Grandes Etudes vs. Transcendental Etudes

[cuberdrift]

Exactly how much harder are Liszt's "Grand Etudes" compared to their easier revision? And why is it that the Transcendental Etudes are far more popular?

I've read that the Transcendental Mazeppa is actually more difficult than the Grand one. Is this true?

What is the hardest of the "Grandes Etudes" set?

And could someone please post a famous, precise recording of the "Grandes Etudes"? Can't really pinpoint one...I mean did Cziffra, Arrau, Richter or something record them...please let me know. Thanks!


Regards,
cuberdrift

[liszt1022]

There are no famous, precise recordings of the whole set - it just isn't done much.
The main reason is that pianists usually agree with Liszt's trimming of dense textures.
Now, Liszt's original set of Paganini etudes is another story. Those need more attention - I'm speaking to you, Nos. 3, 4, and 5.

Anyway, in the way of the Grandes Etudes, Leslie Howard did the set, of course, and managed to make them very uninteresting.
https://www.amazon.com/12-Grandes-Etudes-F-Liszt/dp/B000002ZZY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397064084&sr=8-1&keywords=leslie+howard+grandes+etudes

Idil Biret is my preferred choice, and plays with much vitality.
https://www.amazon.com/12-Grandes-Etudes-137-R2a/dp/B005OV1N92/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1397063692&sr=8-5&keywords=liszt+12+grandes+etudes

//

Here's an interesting Youtube playlist that lines up the very early Etude in 12 exercises with the Grandes and Transcendantals. Just note that the very early set doesn't always match up.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3D0B43EBB960849C

[cuberdrift]

Here's an interesting Youtube playlist that lines up the very early Etude in 12 exercises with the Grandes and Transcendantals. Just note that the very early set doesn't always match up.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3D0B43EBB960849C

Thanks! Gonna save this one.

[liszt1022]

Well, now it appears Hyperion Records (Leslie Howard's label) is blocking most of the videos in that playlist (as is their right.)
So you may have to search a little more.
Or just buy a CD.

Head over to imslp to download the scores to both sets and you can give them a look-over.

Grandes-
https://imslp.org/wiki/Grandes_%C3%A9tudes,_S.137_(Liszt,_Franz)

Transcendentals-
https://imslp.org/wiki/%C3%89tudes_d%27ex%C3%A9cution_transcendante,_S.139_(Liszt,_Franz)