Liszt: The Paganini Studies & The Schubert Marches

Featuring

Marc-André Hamelin
Franz Liszt

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Critical Reception

Robert Schumann, a composer who also transcribed Paganini's Caprices for piano, praised Liszt's superior accomplishment, calling his collection 'probably the most difficult ever written for the pianoforte'.

Performer Biography

Marc-André Hamelin, the pianist on this recording, is known for his original blend of musicianship and virtuosity, and has been called 'a true avatar of the piano'.

Composer's Artistic Vision

After hearing Paganini, Liszt resolved to transform himself into the pianistic equivalent of the 'demonic Italian' violinist.

Composer Biography

Franz Liszt, the composer of the Paganini Studies and Schubert March transcriptions, was deeply affected by seeing the legendary Italian virtuoso violinist Paganini perform in Paris in 1832.

Composition History

The Six Grandes Etudes de Paganini by Liszt were first published in 1838 as Six études d'exécution transcendante d'après Paganini, then revised and reissued in 1851.

Compositional Technique

Liszt's Paganini Studies are based on Paganini's Twenty-four Caprices Op. 1 for solo violin, with the exception of No. 3 ('La Campanella'), which uses a theme from Paganini's Second Violin Concerto.