Franz Liszt, born in Hungary in 1811, was the son of Adam Liszt, a steward for Haydn's former patrons, the Esterházy Princes.
Interpretation
Liszt's transcriptions are noted for their accurate reproduction of original phrasing and his specification of original instrumentation where necessary, rather than primarily for technical display.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Liszt held Beethoven in great respect, which was reflected in his efforts to establish Beethoven Monuments in Bonn and Vienna, and in his inclusion of Beethoven's piano compositions in his recitals.
Composition History
Liszt's early piano transcriptions of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 5, 6, and 7 were published in 1840, with revisions and additions of the other symphonies, including the Choral Symphony, completed in 1865.
Performer Biography
Konstantin Scherbakov, the pianist on this recording, was hailed as a modern Rachmaninov and won the first Rachmaninov Competition in Moscow in 1983.
Composer Biography
Liszt's interest in virtuoso performance was renewed after he heard the great violinist Paganini, whose technical accomplishments he then sought to emulate.
Compositional Technique
Liszt's transcription of Beethoven's Choral Symphony includes the choral parts on two staves printed above the orchestral reduction to clarify the musical structure.
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