Celebrating the Bicentennial of Liszt’s birth (1811-1886)
Jimmy Smits introduced American pianist Andrew von Oeyen to millions of PBS viewers at the July 09 event “A Capitol Fourth.” In the star-studded program, Andrew joined Michael Feinstein and the National Symphony in a performance of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
In his first solo recording, Andrew presents the depth and breadth of Liszt’s piano music — the grand design, the deep poetry, the ever-present song. Liszt’s involvement in opera is well represented in this album, with affecting paraphrases of Wagner (Tristan und Isolde, Lohengrin) and Verdi (Rigoletto).
Worldwide concert audiences hail Andrew as an exciting soloist with major orchestras, and in top recital and Festival series. “As for star quality, von Oeyen is already risen….and leaves you convinced that he can do absolutely anything he likes with a keyboard.” Chicago Tribune
Andrew’s recent tours have included important appearances in the U.S., Europe and Japan. He has also found time for a 30-concert tour with violin star Sarah Chang, with whom he has just made a duo recording for EMI.
“A GENUINE RACH STAR… Before you read another line, go to the phone or Internet and grab a ticket for one of von Oeyen’s remaining performances [with Detroit Symphony/Ashkenazy]… He delivered one of the most commanding accounts of Rach 2 that I can recall hearing live — majestic and singing, lucid and dramatic, and technically effortless.” – Detroit News
“Andrew von Oeyen, Keenly Attuned to Liszt’s Grand Design… I would go so far as to say that von Oeyen played the finest all-around performance of Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor that I have heard in many years.” – Washington PostLISZT:
Piano Sonata in B Minor
Waldesrauschen (Zwei Konzertetuden)
Vallée d’Obermann (Annees de Pelerinage)
Liebestraum No. 3 in A-Flat Major
VERDI-LISZT:
Concert Paraphrase of Rigoletto
WAGNER-LISZT:
Elsa’s Bridal Procession (Lohengrin)
Isolde’s Liebestod (Tristan und Isolde)
