Catalogue

Summary:

“Here is Liszt playing of rare passion and musical integrity. There is no tip-toeing round the great B minor Sonata, no imposition of self-conscious effects or losing the thread through over-interpretation. Over and above its masterful construction and ingenious thematic interplay, it is a virtuoso vehicle that should thrill the listener – and Groh scintillates. More thunder and fireworks follow in Liszt’s solo version of his Totentanz, its transcendent difficulties brushed aside with aplomb and exuberant relish” – Editor’s Choice, Gramophone

“He is clearly a talent to watch. The approach was fresh, the clarity and musicality of his phrasing impeccable, and his range of keyboard colour quite remarkable” – The Guardian

“Groh was born to play the music of Franz Liszt” – The Seattle Times

Pianist Markus Groh, first prize winner at the Queen Elizabeth competition in 1995, makes his recording debut with a stunning performance of Liszt’s iconic B minor Sonata together with the lesser heard Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H and Totentanz, more commonly heard in the version for piano and orchestra. Groh’s performance loses none of the impact, however. This is a tour de force of masterly piano playing. Groh’s impressive international itinerary includes performances of the great romantic repertoire with such orchestras as the London Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and St. Petersburg Philharmonic. He is a regular visitor to Japan and also performs frequently in his native Germany. Liszt’s technicolour writing and Groh’s pianistic fireworks are brought to vivid life by the SACD recording.

Tracklist:

FRANZ LISZT (1811–1886)

1. Sonata in B minor, S.178 (31:12)
2. Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H, S.529ii (11:33)
3. Totentanz (Paraphrase on the Dies Irae), S.525* (16:12)

*arranged for solo piano by the composer

Total duration: 59:00

Recorded 20–22 December 2004, Reitstadel – Neumarkt/Oberfalz, Germany
Producer: Elmar Zilberman | Sound Engineer and Editing: Peter Länger