Liszt: 12 Études d'exécution transcendante

Featuring

Alice Sara Ott
Franz Liszt

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Performer Biography

Alice Sara Ott, born in 1988, began piano lessons at age four and won first prize in Germany's 'Jugend musiziert' competition at seven.

Compositional Technique

The Transcendental Etudes are considered among the most difficult works in piano literature, surpassed only by Alkan's Etudes opp. 35 and 39.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Liszt's virtuosity in the Transcendental Etudes combines poetic response with dexterity, showcasing both visionary calm and brilliant technical passages.

Composition History

Liszt's Transcendental Etudes originated from his 1826 Etudes op.1, dedicated to his teacher Carl Czerny, and were revised in 1838 and 1851.

Cultural Impact

Liszt's Transcendental Etudes had a significant influence on later composers, with Ravel studying 'Mazeppa' and 'Feux follets' before writing Gaspard de la nuit.

Performer Biography

At 15, Alice Sara Ott won the Silvio Bengalli Prize at the Pianello Val Tidone Competition in Italy, as the youngest contestant with the highest score ever.

Compositional Technique

The title 'Etudes d'exécution transcendante' refers to the immense difficulty and 'overpowering, unsurpassable technique' Liszt aimed for, as well as transcending his previous creative efforts.