Lizst Sospiro

Posted by: jayd on 11 December 2008

Any views on the quintessential (or at least, a highly recommended) version of this piece?

I have heard an Arrau version and not been blown away by it. I really like this one by Frederic Lamond, but can't deal with the surface noise of such an old recording.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Posted on: 11 December 2008 by Oldnslow

I suggest a 2 CD set by Earl Wild on Ivory Classics entitled Wild Plays Liszt (1985 sessions), which includes many of Liszt's best pieces, including his Sonata, Un Sospiro, and many others, played by one of the great romantic pianists.

Posted on: 12 December 2008 by jayd

Thanks. I watched Earl play it on youtube. He doesn't cross his hands as much as some others; makes for a very different sound. I'll check out the set you mention.

Posted on: 12 December 2008 by Earwicker

Jorge Bolet's mercurial performance on Decca (available as part of a droolsome 9 CD set) is probably as close to ideal as you'll get - if you buy into notions of ideality in music! It is a limpid shimmering performance and makes an ideal partner to the dark and brooding Arrau which you already have in your collection. (I presume you've got the Etudes on Philips Duo?) It's track 5 (I think!) on CD8 of the Decca set.

EW

Posted on: 12 December 2008 by u5227470736789439

Dear EW,

Please email on georgefredrik1961athotmaildotcodotuk

ATB from George

Posted on: 12 December 2008 by Earwicker

Hi George, wouldn't have thought you'd be looking in on a Liszt thread!

You have email.

EW