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These forums are being phased out. The new, improved Franz Liszt (1811-1886) Forum is at classicalmusicforums.com.
Posted by Dennis DeSantis on June 15, 19104 at 00:30:23:
BODY OF MESSAGE: On June 2nd. Leon Botstein and the American Symphony Orchestra gave a program entitled Spiritual Romanticism. The first half contained Mendelssohn's Lauda Sion for orchestra and chorus and SATB soloists. A work of little interest or significance from 1847. This was followed by Wagner's Das Liebesmahl der Apostel from 1843. A curious work in that 2/3rds is a capella with the last section accompanied by orchestra. As with all Wagner's works, he did the libretto and of course overwrote it by about 50%. Boy, did Wagner ever need an independent librettist or at least an editor with a big red pencil. What was significant about this piece is the foretelling of the Pilgrims Chorus from Tannhauser which was to be written next.
After the intermission came the Liszt work for which I had come along with friend Carl. I had last heard this piece in the 1970's during the Liszt year conducted by Boulez. I was not, however, prepared for this performance. It was superb. Botstein truly had the piece in hand and, although his tempi were faster than I had heard (e.g. the recorded performance on Hungaraton) it never seemd rushed and in fact benefitted greatly. The orchestra played flawlessly. The soloists were all young and sang with fesh voices and in tune. How wonderful to hear this music sung by voices that were not wobbly nor harsh as in the Hungaran recording. The centerpiece of this ma__ is the Gloria and it is so moving and magnificent that the rest, while wonderful, almost seems anticlimatic. After the Gloria Botstein et al took an unusually long time before the next section. One could feel the emotional tension the work had created and the need to relax before continuing. It was one of the great great Liszt experiences for me. This music is superb with an incredible orchestration not to mention great melodies. It is such moving music, perhaps among Liszt's best. And how wonderful to hear the cross motif appearing in various parts, but especially the fugue "C__ Sancto Spititus." Who else but Liszt creates in this fashion. Works of such complexity and intricate form yet appearing so simple.
I hope Botstein records this work. He performed Ta__o last year and Telarc recorded it with the Dante. If it is recorded, run to buy it. This is great Liszt music superbly performed. I only wish he had done more than one performnace so I could hear it again.