Œuvres pour piano

Description

Vanessa WAGNER, On the Art of Ambient Music... The Lisztian cycle of Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, inspired by Lamartine, juxtaposes angelic pieces, mystical atmospheres, and powerful frescoes, such as Funérailles and Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude. While the Études d’exécution transcendante present unique challenges to the performer, and the Années de pèlerinage draw inspiration from impressions left by travels, readings, and works of art, the Harmonies poétiques et religieuses represent the mystical aspect of Franz Liszt's piano works. Lugubrious visions (Pensée des morts) or celestial ones (Cantique d’amour), a darkly heroic epic (Funérailles), noble lamentation (Andante Lagrimoso): this is Liszt in all his diversity. Within it stands out Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude, one of the greatest pieces by its composer, a fresco of high spirituality. Pianist Vanessa Wagner has chosen to intersperse 3 pieces by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt within the excerpts from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses. They are characterized by pure music, deeply inspired by Gregorian chant and ancient polyphony. This coupling is a world premiere, and it is surprising that no one has thought of it before, given how closely the writing of the two composers aligns. The atmosphere of the album is profoundly mystical, with a search for the suspended musical gesture.