DORIAN RECORDINGS: DOR-90251
FERENC LISZT (1811-1886)
WORKS FOR VIOIN AND PIANO, VOLUME 1
RACHEL BARTON PINE, VIOLIN
THOMAS LABE, PIANO

Benedictus und Offertorium aus der ungarischer Krönungsmesse
Grand Duo concertant sur la romance de M. Lafont Le Marin
Romance oubliee
Die drei Zigeuner
Epithalam zu Eduard Remenyis Vermählungsfeier
Elegie





Collecting the complete original violin works of Franz Liszt was one of the most challenging research projects I have ever undertaken. Compiling the list of compositions was fairly straightforward, but I could not locate the music in any of my usual sheet music stores, libraries, or internet databases. Finally, I was referred to the Liszt Society of London. They were tremendously helpful, providing me with out-of-print music and copies of manuscripts of works that had never been published.

The extra effort to gather these pieces was worthwhile. They are as interesting to interpret as they are satisfying to hear and to perform. Ranging from youthful works of Liszt's fiery virtuosic period to more introspective later compositions, they showcase his inventiveness and originality as a composer of chamber music. At all times, the violin and piano are equal partners.

Some of these works were composed originally for different instrumentation. The violin versions are reworkings, not the straightforward transcriptions that another composer might have done. Liszt removes sections, adds new ones, and changes the figurations, giving us his "further thoughts upon the subject."

This CD contains half of Liszt's output for the violin. I hope to share the rest of this marvelous collection with you in the future.