Intégrale des symphonies

Description

This box set brings together the five discs dedicated to the transcriptions of Beethoven's symphonies by Franz Liszt, performed by pianist Yury Martynov: the reductions for solo piano of these complex works present a true challenge for Liszt, who nonetheless manages to convey their prodigious character, revealing their incredible power. An "event on a pianoforte through which we rediscover the colors... of the orchestra" (Pianiste): the piano unites the orchestra, sometimes even the soloists and the choir, thus unifying their voices in a single instrument. The energy as well as the writing of the symphonies are unveiled and magnified through Yury Martynov's interpretation on a 1867 Blu¨thner piano and a 1837 Erard piano, both from Edwin Beunk's collection: the Russian pianist succeeds in revealing "details generally obscured in orchestral interpretations, which are brought to light thanks to his meticulous past and the coloring of each measure" (The Guardian).