Franz LISZT (1811-86)
Piano Sonata in B minor. Années de Pèlerinage, Deuxième
Année: Sonetto 27 del Petrarca; Sonetto 104 del Petrarca; Sonetto
123 del Petrarca; Après une lecture du Dante, 'Dante
Sonata'.
Alfredo Perl
(piano).
Arte Nova 74321 71767-2
[DDD]
[68'59]
Crotchet
The Chilean pianist Alfredo Perl has recorded the complete Beethoven Sonatas
for Arte Nova, and here he turns his attention to one of the greatest
compositions for piano of all time, Liszt's B minor Sonata. It is a work
that continues to defy most interpreters, combining manic virtuosity and
effusive lyrical outpourings over an extended time span. Perl does not rank
with the greats by any stretch of the imagination, and for a modern performance
both Zimmerman and Pollini (both on DG) leave one with a sense of Liszt's
achievement. Perl is best in the lyrical sections, but even there the requisite
fantasy is just out of his grasp. The recording lacks body in the mid-range:
an unfortunate fault, especially in this repertoire.
Technically, Perl has the measure of the Lisztian eruptions and on this level
at least it is difficult not to get involved with Perl's performance. Plumb
for deeper levels, though, and you will be disappointed.
The coupling is an imaginative one. The 'Dante' Sonata (which brings to an
end the Second Year of Travel) is not diabolical (in the true sense
of the world). A pianist who tackles this piece must, but must, throw caution
to the wind to gain the full sense of exhilaration. Perl is unfortunately
not that sort of pianist (admittedly being in a studio can't help) and the
whole experience remains earthbound.
The sonatas are separated by the Petrarch Sonnets. Within the context
of this CD they act as an interlude, which seems somewhat demeaning to their
true stature. For the Second Year of the Années de
Pèlerinage, Alfred Brendel's traversal on Philips 420 169-2 remains
a front-runner.
Even for a fiver, it is hard to muster up much enthusiasm for Perl's rather
routine brand of Liszt.
Reviewer
Colin Clarke
Performance
Recording
