Liszt: Via Crucis & Solo Piano Works

This is Franz Liszt, but not necessarily as you know him. In 1861, having long retired from the concert platform, the Hungarian composer moved to Rome and took minor holy orders. Mirroring this new chapter in Liszt’s life was music of a much more introspective nature in contrast with the dazzling piano showpieces by which he was principally known. Much of this later music is still underperformed, including Via Crucis for choir and piano, a musical journey through the Stations of the Cross, from Jesus’ condemnation through to his crucifixion and burial. The music blends plainchant and Bach chorales with Lisztian piano passages full of ominous rumblings and angular harmonies. It’s all performed here with deep affection, Leif Ove Andsnes’ lucid playing complemented by the transparent texture of the small choir. Andsnes rounds off the programme with the much earlier six Consolations and two of the Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, all for solo piano. Among Liszt’s most radiant music, they serve as gentle codas to the brooding clouds of Via Crucis.