Search - Katchen, Argenta, Gamba :: Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Hunga

Katchen & Argenta Make Magic

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 03/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Had pianist Julius Katchen and conductor Ataulfo Argenta not both died tragically young, they undoubtedly would have collaborated to make many magical recordings. As is, we only have these 1957 performances of the two Liszt Piano Concertos, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, to illustrate this special partnership. But you're probably asking, "If these recordings are so brilliant, why are you only awarding them four stars?" Well, the answer my friends is simple. These very same Liszt accounts are featured on other collections, and this Decca Legends Import CD probably gives you the least value for your money. A better alternative is to purchase one of two other Import Decca titles -- the Double Decca of Liszt Piano Works or Volume 4 of the "Art of Julius Katchen" -- each of which are two-disc sets. Even better, wait a few more months until "Art of Julius Katchen" is released domestically."