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Symphonies on a Steinway / Konstantin Scherbakov

Release Date: 09/21/2010
Label: Steinway & Sons Catalog #: 30002 Spars Code: DDD
Composer:  Franz Liszt Performer:  Konstantin Scherbakov Number of Discs: 5
Recorded in: Stereo Length: 5 Hours 48 Mins.

A pianistic perspective on the greatest symphonic cycle of them all - from Steinway & Sons

Limited edition package available exclusively at ArkivMusic.

"Scherbakov plays with a white-hot intensity that makes for thrilling listening and the result is that Liszt’s work on transcribing these symphonies is allowed to stand on its own without any comparison with the original works being made, even unwittingly... you are in for a treat" -- Steve Arloff, MusicWeb International

SYMPHONIES 2 AND 5

Franz Liszt viewed his solo piano transcriptions of the Beethoven Symphonies as a means to disseminate these works and make them accessible Read more to the general public. This, of course, was decades before Edison invented recorded sound, and a century before umpteen Beethoven cycles jockeyed for position on the CD racks. Why listen to Beethoven's symphonies on the piano, then, when orchestral versions are everywhere to be had? I can answer that question in four words: Liszt was a genius. He conveys the emotional essence of Beethoven's instrumentation in pianistic terms, with a sixth sense for when to fill in textures, as well as what to leave out. While the piano writing isn't particularly dense, the keyboard layout involves frequent register shifts and busy contrapuntal activity. Konstantin Scherbakov's stupendous technique and grounded musicianship allows him to bring these elements into play with fluent ease and rock-solid rhythm. He may not inflect the Fifth Symphony's slow movement as ravishingly as Glenn Gould, but he faces the finale's notey hurdles without resorting to Gould's overdubbing tactics.


The Second Symphony is even better. Scherbakov's swift and steady first movement introduction slides into the Allegro con brio with insidious ease, and his heartfelt, pellucid Larghetto virtually plays itself. No tempo compromises in the Scherzo and Finale are neccesary under this pianist's pliable, secure hands. The resonant, full-bodied, and clear sonics clinch my enthusiastic recommendation.
--Jed Distler, ClassicsToday.com Read less