This album was recorded by Little Tribeca from December 12 to 15, 2017, in Prague, Czech Republic.
Instruments
The piano used for this recording is a Bösendorfer 280VC-100, prepared and tuned by Michael Singer.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Franz Liszt, the composer, believed that "the persistent search for the best possible characterises the true artist," reflecting his own eternal dissatisfaction.
Critical Reception
At the 1855 premiere of Liszt's First Piano Concerto, critics were shocked by the use of a triangle and mockingly called it the "Concerto for triangle."
Composition History
Franz Liszt began writing his first piano concerto in 1832, but it was not premiered until 1855, with Hector Berlioz conducting.
Composition History
The three works on this album by Franz Liszt—the two piano concertos and Totentanz—all had very long gestation periods, ranging from 20 to 23 years.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Athanor" refers to the furnace used by alchemists in their search for the philosopher's matter, symbolizing a quest for perfection.
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