Franz Liszt - Liszt: Piano Sonata; Dante Sonata; Petrarch Sonnets (LP)

Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Franz Liszt with this captivating album, released on February 1, 2015, under the Hyperion label. This collection is a masterful display of Liszt's virtuosity, featuring his monumental Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178, a piece that showcases his innovative and daring approach to piano composition. The sonata is presented in its entirety, with each movement revealing Liszt's deep emotional range and technical brilliance.

The album also includes selections from Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage II, Italie, S. 161," a series of piano pieces inspired by the poet Petrarch. These sonnets, "Sonetto 47 del Petrarca," "Sonetto 104 del Petrarca," and "Sonetto 123 del Petrarca," are exquisite examples of Liszt's ability to translate poetic imagery into music. The album concludes with the dramatic and visionary "Après une lecture du Dante 'Fantasia quasi Sonata'," a piece that reflects Liszt's fascination with the works of Dante Alighieri.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Liszt's piano works, highlighting his unique blend of romanticism, technical prowess, and poetic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Liszt's compositions, this album is a compelling introduction to the genius of one of the most influential pianists and composers of the Romantic era.