Liszt: Benediction de dieu dans la solitude

[erick86]

I've been listening to this piece non-stop for the last two months, and finally got the music for it.  It's much harder than it sounds.  But daammmmnnn ---- is there anything more beautiful than this???  I could bawl the whole way through.  I'm such a sap... 

Here's a stunning performance/recording of it:

Interesting commentary at the very end of the video regarding this piece.  Any thoughts?


Eric

[thorn]

I adore this piece too. I don't "play" it (my definition of "play" being I could go to the piano right now and record it for the Audition Room), but I have worked on it at various points.

From a technical point, I find the opening figuration and its repeat in either hand the most awkward part, the rest is actually quite straightforward.

From a musical perspective, it's requires a huge amount of concentration. Practicing it in bits and making it sound beautiful is one thing, putting it all together and maintaining the sound you want all the way through is another.

Performance wise, my favourite rendition is Arrau. He takes it a fraction slower than any other I've heard which for me really allows it all to breathe.

[liszt1022]

I do love this piece. One day I'll pair it with Totentanz and have an "angels & demons" recital!

[erick86]

I do love this piece. One day I'll pair it with Totentanz and have an "angels & demons" recital!

I've always loved that about Liszt -- how he managed to create the most demonic and angelic themes (sometimes from the same theme).  Take his sonata in B minor for example.  Perfection....

Totentanz has this juxtaposition as well.  What a journey!!!!!!!!   Love it.

[thorn]

My choice would be Dante. I love the Années de pélerinage.