For his Istanbul performances, Liszt used a 'magnificent' seven-octave piano sent by the famous instrument maker Sébastien Pierre Erard.
Performer Biography
Pianist Zeynep Ucbasaran's performance of these pieces was broadcast live across Europe by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for Liszt's 200th birthday in October 2011.
Composer Biography
Franz Liszt, a piano virtuoso and composer who defined the Romantic era, visited Istanbul in 1847, performing for Sultan Abdul-Medjid and marking his last year as a touring virtuoso.
Historical Context
Sultan Abdul-Medjid I, who reigned from 1839 to 1861, was educated in the Western style, played piano, spoke French, and was a fan of Italian opera.
Composition History
Liszt composed the Grande Paraphrase de la Marche de Giuseppe Donizetti for Sultan Abdul-Medjid Khan, premiering it at the Tcheragan Palace in Istanbul.
Recording & Production
This album features a selection of works from Franz Liszt's 1847 Istanbul recitals, performed by pianist Zeynep Ucbasaran.
Cultural Impact
Liszt received the Order of Nişan-Iftihar in diamonds from Sultan Abdul-Medjid, a high honor that surprised him given his 'bit of celebrity'.
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