Liszt - Liszt: Various

Nearly a quarter century separates the two recordings of the Turkish pianist, who with the Paganini Etudes (1987) demonstrates what a brilliant virtuososhe was, and with the Liszt Sonata - recorded in 2010 - shows that she still is. Furthermore, her playing has gained a majestic depth and an expressive self-will, as the Sonata, an exploding testimony of Biret's late style, exhibits. So, these recordings, very well prepared in respect of sound, are an important contribution to the Liszt year.Fono Forum, 2011Idil Biret's new Liszt album prompts a reappraisal of her extraordinary talent... In her Liszt Sonata... you will hear playing of a formidable power and assurance... There is no mistaking her lightning refl exes in the second of the Paganini Etudes and her vivo in the imitation sautille bowing of No. 4 would make even Heifetz envious. Biret's brilliant, iron-clad Steinway is well recorded and... in her Liszt, there is stunning profi ciency and a forbidding manner very much her own.Gramophone, 2011