“… it goes without saying that Franz Liszt cannot be a quiet piano player for quiet state burghers and cosy sleepyheads". This is how Heinrich Heine assesses Franz Liszt's public position. The Sonata in B minor, written in 1852/53 and considered one…

Daniel Barenboim plays Franz Liszt: Wagner and Verdi Opera transcriptions

In Franz Liszt's own words, his Wagner transcriptions were "modest propaganda at the thirsty piano for the noble genius of Wagner". Liszt's importance for his future son-in-law Richard Wagner can hardly be overestimated. In his influential position…

Barenboim plays Liszt (Wanderjahre Italien)

Barenboim plays Liszt (Wanderjahre Schweiz)

Barenboim plays Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor

John Cage's Sonatas and Interludes revolve around the principle of "prepared piano". This concept, coined by the American composer, is to hinder the piano through various objects (screws, rubber and other elastic) placed in its crate and also between…

The Czech composer based his libretto on the play "Le Voyage de Thésée" by his friend and trusted source of inspiration, Georges Neveux. Martinu is said to have written the opera for Maria Callas. In this production, the role is sung by the…