IDAGIO | Liszt: Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 (Arr. for 2 Pianos) 747313046676

Featuring

Leon McCawley
Ashley Wass
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Composer Biography

As a child, Liszt met Beethoven in Vienna, who reportedly applauded his performance and kissed him in a 'Weihekuss,' seemingly proclaiming him as Beethoven's heir.

Composition History

Liszt's two-piano transcription of Beethoven's Choral Symphony was completed in 1851 and received approval from Clara Schumann and Brahms when they played it in 1855.

Composer Biography

Franz Liszt, the transcriber of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 for two pianos, was born in Hungary in 1811 and received early encouragement from Hungarian nobility.

Performer Biography

Leon McCawley, one of the pianists on this album, won First Prize in the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna and Second Prize in the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1993.

Composition History

Liszt initially transcribed Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 5, 6, and 7 for piano in 1837, later revising and supplementing them with the other six symphonies, including the Choral Symphony.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Franz Liszt was a zealous champion of Beethoven's music, including his works in concert programs and working for commemorative monuments in Bonn and Vienna.

Compositional Technique

Liszt's two-piano transcription of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 includes original phrasing, occasional specifications of original instrumentation, and the words of the choral parts printed in the score.