Risto-Matti Marin - Franz Liszt: The Complete Symphonic Poems transcribed for Solo Piano by August Stradal

Liszt never transcribed his thirteen symphonic poems for solo piano � that task was undertaken by his Czech student August Stradal (1860�1930). Stradal�s versions demand almost superhuman virtuosity, which the Finnish pianist Risto-Matti Marin supplies in spades. As the late Malcolm MacDonald writes in his booklet essay, Stradal�s versions �transform these revolutionary orchestral compositions into viable and effective piano works, faithfully preserving their masterly musical substance�. A Fanfare review of Vol. 1 in this series had high praise for Risto-Matti Marin�s pianism: �One marvels at the stamina that can keep such a plethora of detail in place with such relentless �lan; at his narrative shaping, which can turn up an already withering heat, so to speak, at climactic moments; at his overarching persuasiveness�.