Liszt – Harmonies patriotiques et religieuses
Hunnia, 2022
8/10
Listen to Liszt – Harmonies patriotiques et religieuses
An esteemed recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, educator, and adjudicator, Éva Polgár brings her Hungarian heritage to these interpretations of Franz Liszt’s work.
“Sursum Corda. Erhebet eure Herzen, S163/7” starts the listen with warm keys and precise progressions that emit much beauty, and “Hungarian Coronation Mass, Benedictus, S501/1” follows with a rare intimacy that has Polgár playing with a very stirring appeal.
Further along, “Hungarian Rhapsody No.11, S244/11” quivers with a bit of mystery in its poetic landscape, while “Csardas, S225/1” offers more firm gestures that unfold with much imagination and skill.
Arriving deeper into the listen, “Psaume - de l’église á Généve, S156/7” makes for an emotive and uplifting album highlight, and “Legend No. 2, St. Francois de Paule marchant sur les flots, S175/2” exits with much attention on mood in the rumbling yet dreamy finish.
Polgár has an exceptional resume of performances and recorded music, and this solo affair is certainly another top notch effort that anyone with an ear for the piano will enjoy.
Travels well with: Dave Flynn- Irish Minimalism; Matthew McCright- Hanging By A Thread