I did not know this recording, interesting! (when was it recorded actually?). This mephisto is also among my favorite: the first mephisto is in a way simpler to approach as a virtuosic performance can be often satisfying. On the hand the "drier" 2nd and 3rd (and also the little 4th) mephistos, technically easier than 1st, require a "visionary sound" which is not always easy to achieve...
@StockhausenIsMyCat How true. I've heard a plethora of 1st Mephistos, spellbinding ones, but, besides this one, I have not heard a really good Mephisto No. 3. Albeit I know quite a few ones only; apparently, because of putting the "visionary sound" to the fore instead of the rabble-rousing circus display of virtuosity, most pianists are reluctant to perform this amazing gem... Hopefully Hamelin will decide to record it some day! This outstanding recording was made in Belfast, 5 February, 1967.
Amazing that someone is playing this unthankful piece. Technically quite demanding but lacking musicality for a Liszt composition.The ending is something else!
I'm always struck when listening to late Liszt how his work seems to "presage" certain musical aesthetics and composers of late 19th and early 20th century who would follow; here I am particularly reminded of Scriabin. This is not only a very mystically haunting piece, but also a fantastic recording to match.
I did not know this recording, interesting! (when was it recorded actually?). This mephisto is also among my favorite: the first mephisto is in a way simpler to approach as a virtuosic performance can be often satisfying. On the hand the "drier" 2nd and 3rd (and also the little 4th) mephistos, technically easier than 1st, require a "visionary sound" which is not always easy to achieve...
StockhausenIsMyCat 1 month ago
@StockhausenIsMyCat How true. I've heard a plethora of 1st Mephistos, spellbinding ones, but, besides this one, I have not heard a really good Mephisto No. 3. Albeit I know quite a few ones only; apparently, because of putting the "visionary sound" to the fore instead of the rabble-rousing circus display of virtuosity, most pianists are reluctant to perform this amazing gem... Hopefully Hamelin will decide to record it some day! This outstanding recording was made in Belfast, 5 February, 1967.
madlovba3 1 month ago
was there an explosion at the end....incredibly difficult piece....i think u need three hands to play this.....great upload thanks
poplife123 1 month ago
Amazing that someone is playing this unthankful piece. Technically quite demanding but lacking musicality for a Liszt composition.The ending is something else!
wolfkuehn 1 month ago
@wolfkuehn I strongly disagree with that this piece is unmusical. It is my favourite of the Mephisto Waltzes, actually!
madlovba3 1 month ago
What an epic ending :)
titusbeertsen 1 month ago
@titusbeertsen Yeah, I love how he blows up the piano there! :)
madlovba3 1 month ago
I'm always struck when listening to late Liszt how his work seems to "presage" certain musical aesthetics and composers of late 19th and early 20th century who would follow; here I am particularly reminded of Scriabin. This is not only a very mystically haunting piece, but also a fantastic recording to match.
PetrichorAllegory 1 month ago