Franz Liszt is an enigmatic composer, a mostly bombastic repetoire that can be (sometimes) off-putting and fatiguing... but then sprinkled with very reflective pieces* that are near-impressionistic and quite honestly expressionistic. Somewhere within him is a bubbling underwater vent of mysticism. It seems all that is left to do is pre-channel the harmony of Charles Ives after listening to track 2. Speaking of "Harmonies poetiques" (the first work on the CD) I was curious about where the first track's ideas of form and harmony were coming from and was a little shocked to find out it was simply "Ave Maria". Yes its that good.
"Via Crucis" is the mixture of sacred and late-late romantic harmony/interjections. I would say traditionalish form but nominally romantic by its fingernails. I can assure you at that time they would have some difficulty understanding & enjoying this like we can today. A forlorn chorale that would forfeit the commission... so be it.
Brigitte Engerer was a great blessing and we are fortunate to have these recordings. A nice booklet is provided.
*including excerpts and the unfinished
Track Listing
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Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 01/18 @ [Harmonies poetiques et religieuses] Ave Maria
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 02/18 @ Pensees des morts
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 03/18 @ Pater Noster
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 04/18 @ [Via Crucis] Der Kreuzweg
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 05/18 @ Station I Jesus wird zum Tode verdammt
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 06/18 @ Station II Jesus traegt sein Kreuz
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 07/18 @ Station III Jesus faellt zum ersten Mal
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 08/18 @ Station IV Jesus begegnet seiner heiligen Mutter
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 09/18 @ Station V Simon von Kyrene hilft Jesus das Kreuz tragen
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 10/18 @ Station VI Sancta Veronica
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 11/18 @ Station VII Jesus faellt zum zeiten Mal
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 12/18 @ Station VIII Die Frauen von Jerusalem
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 13/18 @ Station IX Jesus faellt zum dritten Mal
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 14/18 @ Station X Jesus wird entkleidet
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 15/18 @ Station XI Jesus wird ans Kreuz geschlagen
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 16/18 @ Station XII Jesus stirbt am Kreuze
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 17/18 @ Station XIII Jesus wird vom Kreuz genommen
Liszt Via Crucis - Engerer @ 18/18 @ Station XIV Jesus wird ins Grab gelegt
