now playing

Liszt's Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: IV. Sonetto 47 del Petrarca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qqKf3pM-ag&list=OLAK5uy_my0dL6Yv_wDPNxppRfxGULpqSTIX6Z4_E&index=13

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_my0dL6Yv_wDPNxppRfxGULpqSTIX6Z4_E

>In November 2011 I heard Bertrand Chamayou for the first time during the Lucerne Piano Festival, where his recital in the Lukaskirche featured an ample selection from Liszt’s Années de Pèlerinage. I was frankly bowled over by the young French pianist’s staggering technique, commanding artistry, wide color palette, and controlled concentration. These qualities consistently inform his Naïve recording of the complete cycle, which may well become a version of reference alongside Muza Rubackyté’s out-of-print Lyrinx edition. ---- Jed Distler, 10/10

I'd always thought this Annees cycle was great yet short of excellent because of Chamayou's straightforward, limpid approach, as I generally prefer my Liszt with more color and overt poeticism, but this morning it's really hitting the spot, proving to be an exciting and virtuosic rendition of one of the great masterpieces of solo piano repertoire.