Allmusic Guide has released their “The Best Classical Albums of 2011 (so far)” list, and Andrew von Oeyen’s debut recording of Liszt Piano Music made the cut! See the full list here.
By V. Vasan
“Andrew von Oeyen presents an album of all-Liszt pieces in which he gives it his all, something that is certainly necessary for a composer as demanding as Liszt. This is evident right from the start, where the Piano Sonata in B minor explodes to full fury after a deceptively calm beginning…On Waldesrauschen, there is a blooming, scintillating orchestration that alternates between the hands, giving the piece a rather Richard Strauss-like quality. It sparkles and is lovely to hear. The Verdi/Liszt Rigoletto is arguably the highlight of the album. The dark, low sounds in the left-hand give way to a tinkling, high right-hand — a beautiful contrast — and then the melody arrives, evolving in different variations. The listener truly gets the feel of Verdi’s lyrical lines, underscored by Liszt’s lushness and virtuosity…Von Oeyen is certainly a gifted pianist, and it will be interesting to see how his musicianship and artistry evolve. He is also a bold pianist who has no fear in taking on extremely challenging music.” Read the full review on Allmusic.com
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