Liszt: Freudvoll und leidvoll

Franz Liszt was the greatest pianist of the 19th century, perhaps of all time, and much of his reputation rests on his astonishing, challenging and groundbreaking piano works. Yet he was also a composer of around 90 breathtaking songs, most of which are still relatively unknown. Tenor Jonas Kaufmann and pianist Helmut Deutsch are the perfect duo to give these miraculous gems the attention they deserve. From the three charming, melodically rich Petrarch settings to the subtle Wagnerian harmonies of “Die Loreley” (“The Lorelei”), Liszt proves himself to be a master of vocal writing, perhaps the greatest opera composer we’ve never had. There’s a hint, too, of Liszt the Impressionist in the shimmering “Ihr Glocken von Marling” (“You Bells of Marling”)—without doubt, a composer ahead of his time.