Performance by mp15 from The Waltz Recital - 2018-03-18
- Performer: mp15
- Location:
- Experience: 15 years
- Composer: Franz Liszt
- Piece: Valse Impromptu, S.213
- Duration: 353
- Music Link: click to play
- Video Link:
- Music Source:
- Instrument: Yamaha P-255 digital keyboard
- Recording Method: Audacity with a Blue Yeti USB microphone
- Info: Although he is probably best known for his Hungarian Rhapsodies and etudes, Franz Liszt wrote piano music in almost all styles, including a significant number of waltzes. These include later, more experimental works (Mephisto Walzes, Valses Oubliees) as well as more traditional waltzes, such as this one and others from his touring years.
I probably wouldn't have discovered this piece if it weren't for Gyorgy Cziffra's recording on Youtube. It's a great recording, although he takes a lot of liberties. Well, of course he does - he's Cziffra playing Liszt, right? After giving it some thought, I decided that the idea of an "impromptu" waltz could allow for some flexibility with the written score. Some may disagree, with good reason. Personally, I think there is a long history of performers, including Horowitz and Volodos, judiciously altering Liszt's "showy" works, and the piece is a bit too repetitious without it. It was still tricky to develop my own interpretation after having Cziffra's idea of the piece in my head.
Although I learned the notes ahead of time, I've been playing in a pit band the last few weeks, so I haven't been able to devote as much time to this as I'd like. In the end, though, I think it turned out okay, liberties and all. Enjoy!