1847: Liszt in Istanbul
In 1847 Franz Liszt visited Istanbul (then Constantinople) and performed several recitals on an Erard piano specially shipped for him to play. He spent a month there and gave several concerts including two in the Sultan’s palace. He was fêted and praised highly; at that time the city was a hub of Western culture and a frequent destination of Italian and French opera companies, so Liszt’s operatic transcriptions found a receptive audience.
Turkish-American pianist Zeynep Ucbasaran created a selection of works from Liszt’s program which were broadcast throughout Europe in 2011 and performed live to great acclaim. Now this recital is committed to a recording which celebrates not only great music but also what was Liszt’s final year as a virtuoso performer.
Zeynep Ucbasaran began music studies in Istanbul at the age of four, then in Hungary and Germany before moving to the USA to obtain her degrees in Piano Performance. She has won multiple awards and performed in many parts of the world. She naturally has an affinity with the musical culture and heritage of her native Turkey.
Track Listing
- Franz Liszt (1811-1886):
- Grande Paraphrase de la Marche de Giuseppe Donizetti composée pour Sa Majesté le Sultan Abdul-Medjid Khan, S.403 (8:06)
- Réminiscences de Lucia di Lammermoor de Donizetti, S.397 (6:31) Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826):
- Aufforderung zum Tanze (Invitation to the Dance), Op. 65 (9:15) Frederic Chopin (1810-1849):
- Mazurka in B minor, Op. 33 No. 4 (6:41) Franz Liszt (1811-1886):
- Introduction et Polonaise de l'opera I Puritani de Bellini, S. 391 (5:46)
- Erlkönig, S. 558 after Schubert (4:43)
- Magyar dalok (Hungarian Melodies) - I. Lento (4:09)
- Magyar dalok (Hungarian Melodies) - II. Andantino (1:18)
- Magyar dalok (Hungarian Melodies) - III. Sehr langsam (2:07)
- Réminiscences de Norma de Bellini, S. 394 (18:00)
Reviews
“Ucbasaran has a sterling technique that surmounts all the challenges posed by Liszt’s technicolor keyboard writing. But she is also an artist who fully embraces the true magic of the featured Liszt virtuoso pieces. Ucbasaran celebrates all those elements, and to magical effect. Enthusiastically recommended.
” —Ken Meltzer
“Turkish pianist Ucbasaran is not afraid to let the music rip forth in thorough Lisztian style. All of this music is intended to impress people and does so without any shame. Liszt was too fine a musician to overdo things, and the embellishments fit perfectly in the style. The Steinway D sounds wonderful, and the notes are informative.
” —Alan Becker
“I found the concept appealing. It seems a great idea to try to recreate a historical recital or concert. The liner notes are excellent. I hope that Zeynep Ucbasaran will continue her exploration. I look forward to reviewing her subsequent recitals.
” —John France
“This recital celebrates not only great music but also what was Liszt’s final year as a virtuoso performer. Zeynep Ucbasaran plays with great passion, exuberance and flair, bringing vividly to life one of List’s most historic performances.
” —John Pitt
“Terrific CD. Zeynep Ucbasaran is a formidable artist who elevates this music to lofty heights by virtue of her sensitive musicality and dazzling technique. Here’s hoping that divine art will bring her out again to delight us.
” —Rafael de Acha
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