Liszt's project to transcribe all of Beethoven's symphonies for piano took him 25 years to complete, with work starting in 1838 and finishing in 1865.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Franz Liszt, a prominent 19th-century transcriber, created piano arrangements not only for profit but also to popularize works by other composers he admired, such as Berlioz and Schubert.
Performer Biography
Gabriele Baldocci's album 'Sheer Piano Attack' became a best-seller after being promoted by the rock band Queen on all their media outlets.
Historical Context
At the time of Beethoven and Liszt, it was difficult to hear the same symphony twice in concert, making transcriptions a common way to disseminate popular works.
Performer Biography
Gabriele Baldocci, the pianist on this recording, is described by Jed Distler on Gramophone as 'A pianist of formidable capabilities' and has performed in prestigious venues worldwide.
Composition History
Liszt dedicated his complete cycle of Beethoven symphony transcriptions to Hans von Bülow, a famous conductor and pianist who was his former piano pupil and son-in-law.
