Emil von Sauer (1862-1942): Liszt - Valse Oubliée no.1

Emil von Sauer was a pupil of Liszt (1811-1886), who made probably the most successful recordings of any of the Liszt pupils. Sauer was noted for his aristocratic approach to music-making, with lashings of charm, elegance and style backed up by phenomenal technique.

This recording of Liszt't nostalgic Valse Oubliée ("Forgotten Waltz") no.1 was made in 1938.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• emil
• von
• sauer
• classical
• piano
• recording
• liszt
• valse
• oubliée
• no.1

[d60944]

Apart from this work, and the Jeux d'eau, the late works are generally ill-served on record. Leslie Howard has recorded the complete Liszt, but he is not - in my opinion - any more than a serviceable interpreter.

Zoltan Kocsis could rise to greatness in this repertoire and is widely available and is probably the best modern choice for the works. A favourite interpreter of mine is Kentner, who left a few recordings of late Liszt.

[d60944]

There is a big difference between merely altering a the surface or the substance of a work though. The late works are very much *about* not being self-contained. To append closure to work that is deliberately left open is a huge difference from merely decorating a passage differently, or cutting a section of a variation-style work.

[d60944]

I don't know of any early 20th C recordings of ANY of Liszt's late works though (except for this Valse Oubliee). Can you point me to some? Then we can compare. Kentner maybe?

[d60944]

I agree that the final chords actually diminish the quality of the piece - as a composition - given that we know better now what late Liszt is all about. Certainly pianists in the early 20th just had no idea what Liszt was up to in his late works: many (most?) of the works just drift away with no closure at all - this all part of the style as we now appreciate it. Sauer is reflecting the understanding of his time. Ignoring that issue, it *is* wonderful playing nonetheless. Just go with it... :-)

[kpokpojiji]

@d60944 If you haven't come across it already, listen to Leonid Brumberg's performances of the 2nd Mephisto Waltz- actually any of Brumberg's Liszt- the Saint-Saens/Liszt Danse Macabre, B minor sonata...astounding playing.

[broadwood1830]

@gerardbedecarter Not too fast, most of others are to slow because of the difficulties of this composition.

[broadwood1830]

@d60944 But no one of them could play Liszt in such authentically kind like Emil von Sauer. He was one of Liszt's favourite pupil. Have a look to Emil von Sauers brilliante Touch. Ist fast enough, strong enough and undescripable clear! Emil von Sauer worked until his death in Vienna and some of his pupil learned to touch like he did.

[dancersover40]

When the trill goes so smoothly into the beautiful melody...god it's divine! 

[gerardbedecarter]

Too fast??

[gerardbedecarter]

Thanks for uploading this fascinating historical recording.  The ending [ouch!!!!!]

[paopaomanalansan]

Creepy 1:50-2:17

[NGS712]

parkour: parkour: Here it is:

watch?v=6objDnNYGCQ

[NGS712]

parkour: Yes, those are the ones.

I did find one, 'Nuages Gris' I believe it's called. I'll find the link for it.

[parkourjordz]

If you mean of his very late and experimental works such as his atonal pieces, I am having trouble finding them also...Keep me posted if any news... Thanks,

Jordan.