Search - Franz Liszt, Konstantin Scherbakov :: Franz Liszt: Beethoven Symphonies 4 & 6 (Piano Transcriptions)

Brilliant Arrangements well played

David "still learning" | Eastern USA | 11/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is amazing how masterfully Liszt arranged Beethoven's symphonies for piano, and at quite a young age too. I've now heard 1, 3, 4, and 6. True, there are times when I miss the color of the different orchestral instruments, but at other times the virtuosity of the piano arrangements makes up for it. Scherbakov's interpretations are brilliantly played, though the Pastoral symphony is not nearly as lyrical on the piano as it is in the orchestra. That's not surprising, since the piano is a percussive instead of a stringed or wind instrument! The Achilles heel of the piano is its inability to sustain long chords without resorting to tricks like tremolos or arpeggios which aren't there (and which Liszt fortunately does not use to excess). But the passages with many moving parts, or the rhythmic passages, are wonderful to hear. The scherzo and finale of the Fourth Symphony are great examples, and the scherzo of the Eroica (on one of Scherbakov's other recordings is tremendously exciting).I admit that, as a pianist, sometimes I am more focused on "how is he doing that?" rather than on the music itself. But since the music is SO familiar to me, it is very interesting to hear it with totally different sonorities. If you aren't already very familiar with these Symphonies and have to choose between piano or orchestra, well then get the orchestral versions first.I am glad that this fresh new look at Beethoven's masterpieces is available at such a bargain price, and I look forward to the rest of the series, especially #7. It's hard to imagine how the Finale of #9 could be done convincingly, but I will be fascinated just to hear the attempt."

Beethoven by Liszt

J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 04/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Liszt began making piano transcriptions of the Beethoven symphonies in the 1830s, not that long after Beethoven's death. This was a time when Liszt was still touring as a piano virtuoso and he made the transcriptions for his own use; he finished all nine of them long after he'd stopped touring, but the ones on this disc are among those he toured with. In those days live performances of the Beethoven symphonies were not as common as they are now, and Liszt's playing them in recital was often the first time many of his listeners had heard them. Later, other musicians made arrangements for piano duet (piano four-hands) and other combinations. Indeed, I may belong to the last generation who learned some of the Beethoven symphonies by playing the four-hand versions. I grew up in the 1940s in a rural town without easy access to concert halls or phonograph records (and in any event, they would have been 78s - remember those?) and my first exposure to the Pastoral Symphony was by playing it with my teacher, an old Bohemian (Czech) lady who seemed more interested in exposing me to good music than teaching me to be a professional pianist, for which I remain thankful. I recall the delight of recognizing that I was making a cuckoo's call in the second movement. And in the 'storm' movement I begged to be allowed to play the seconda part so I could make the thunder in the lower depths of the piano. I was about nine years old. And the sound of the piano playing the Pastoral has stuck with me all these years. Consequently, I have collected other pianists' performances of the Liszt transcriptions (and continued, when possible, to play the four-hand versions with willing partners). I have the Pastoral as played by Leslie Howard (on, I believe, Hyperion) and Cyprien Katsaris (on MHS - originally on Teldec).Make no mistake, these transcriptions are not for amateurs. They take real technique. And Scherbakov has that to spare. However, my own assessment is that he is not as musical overall as Katsaris. He seems bent on playing the Pastoral as fast as he can, even though it is, of all the symphonies, the one that most benefits to leisurely pacing.The Fourth symphony, on the other hand, is given an exemplary reading by Scherbakov and I recommend it over the other two. I believe, further, that the Katsaris and Howard versions are only available in a set that includes all the symphonies, so if you are particularly interested in the Sixth or Fourth Symphonies, this is the disc to get."

Liszt's Wondrous Realization of the Pastoral

Hexameron | 07/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 19 in Naxos' Complete Piano Music of Liszt series is the third of five recordings by Scherbakov that showcase Liszt's piano transcriptions of Beethoven's symphonies. For Lisztians and collectors who relish their Cyprien Katsaris recording(s) (Beethoven/Liszt: Symphonies Nos. 1-9), this release may not be worth buying. Katsaris is simply indomitable because his recording presents the Liszt piano transcriptions with extra doubling and slight alterations in the service of producing greater sonority. However, I believe Scherbakov eradicates all other contenders, namely Gould and Howard. And if you want a stellar interpretation of Beethoven's symphonies, Scherbakov's artistry here is recommendable. Yet this recording may not be desirable for those seeking all of Scherbakov's Beethoven-Liszt: instead of just buying this release, I would recommend purchasing the box set (Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9 Transcribed by Liszt [Box Set]).



In the preface to his edition of the piano transcriptions Liszt says: "The name of Beethoven is sacred in art. His symphonies are nowadays universally recognized as masterpieces. No one who seriously desires to extend his knowledge, or create something new himself, can ever devote sufficient thought to them, or ever study them enough." Liszt's reverence for Beethoven is evident and his genius in the art of transcription has done tremendous things with Beethoven's symphonic works. Liszt's transcriptions capture all of the orchestral effects, textures, and more importantly, the spirit of Beethoven. As such, I don't think even the purists who lambaste "piano reductions" can find fault with Liszt's magnum achievement.



Scherbakov triumphantly nails the essence of the Sixth Symphony and plays superbly. His interpretations of each movement are profound, energetic and lack any unnecessary histrionics. Those familiar with the splendor, beauty and drama can expect a faithful rendition from Liszt, but also a brilliant performance by Scherbakov. The bird sounds and evocation of nature are just as convincing on the piano, thanks to Liszt's pianistic ingenuity. Also, the Thunderstorm movement is perhaps the most dramatically explosive piece of piano music I've ever heard. It transcends mere bombast and indeed suggests apocalyptic thunder and lightning. When faced with popping in Katsaris or Scherbakov for this symphony, I find myself inclined towards the latter. Scherbakov plays this symphony with finesse, passion, and a true Beethovenian spirit.



Scherbakov is no less astute or virtuosic in the classical Fourth Symphony, which Schumann compared to Greek architecture. The grandeur and lyricism of this work is well-suited to the registers of the piano and Liszt artfully employs tremolos and arpeggios in the first movement to substitute for orchestral effect. Scherbakov's delivery is stellar; his pacing and dynamic emphases are all agreeable to my ears.



Bottom line: It's difficult to find any reason not to buy this recording unless one already owns Katsaris's or would like to own all of Scherbakov's Beethoven-Liszt, in which case I recommend buying the box set. While I feel Katsaris's recordings are supreme, I must still endorse Scherbakov. He is a pianist of quality fiber who plays with panache and brings much-needed technical excellence and musical verve to Beethoven's (and Liszt's) works of art."