Liszt - Fantaisie sur des motifs favoris de l'opéra 'La sonnambula', S393i (Han Chen)

Liszt had no rivals when it came to operatic paraphrases, fantasies and transcriptions. He was able to transform a series of well-known and recognisable sections of an opera into a memorable, cleverly structured pianistic tour-de-force which stood on its own. Other composers who attempted this art were only able to produce a piano reduction of operatic excerpts. In Liszt's hands (and mind) the piano was always able to transform an operatic spectacle into a cohesive, pianistic experience; listeners familiar with the themes of the opera could always find their favorite arias and melodies woven expertly by Liszt into the fabric of his extravaganzas.

Such is the case with the marvellous paraphrase of Liszt's ‘favourite motifs’ from Bellini's ‘La sonnambula’; the work is constructed about five themes from Bellini’s opera, and really presents the drama in miniature by concentrating upon the principal story-line of the sleep-walking Amina who is presumed to be unfaithful to her betrothed Elvino, her rejection by him, her narrow escape from death by drowning whilst sleep-walking, her vindication, and the lovers’ reconciliation. Liszt captures the whole spirit of the piece in what amounts to a three-movements-in-one form whose last section, based on the triumphant ‘Ah! non giunge’, deftly draws all the elements together. It is altogether one of his best fantasies, conveying the whole spirit of the drama in the comparatively microcosmic world of a single piano piece, and is long overdue for revival in the concert hall.

Han Chen demonstrates a great understanding of how to balance exuberance with sensitivity and thoughtfulness; his assured, elegant, and totally effortless technique combined with his idiomatic flair and his use of color and touch to convey character has produced one of the finest CDs from Naxos’ survey of Liszt’s piano music. If you’re a fan of Liszt and the highest order of transcendental virtuosity, grab Volume 41 of their (not yet) complete Liszt project right away.

Please check out Han Chen's YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/hankop771
and website: http://hanchenpiano.com 😊

Видео Liszt - Fantaisie sur des motifs favoris de l'opéra 'La sonnambula', S393i (Han Chen) канала Andrei Cristian Anghel