TRISTAN – IGOR LEVIT

Embark on a captivating musical adventure with Igor Levit’s latest album ‘Tristan,’ a stunning compilation published by Sony Classical. Renowned for his thought-provoking thematic program concepts, Levit once again delivers a collection of extraordinary musical works that leave a lasting impression.

Disc 1 begins with Liszt’s Liebestraum No. 3, but Levit’s interpretation is far from the ordinary. Stripping away the excesses of sentimentality, he presents a brisk and unsentimental performance that unveils the work’s art song origin. Levit’s unique approach sheds new light on this well-known piece, offering a refreshing and invigorating listening experience.

Henze’s ‘Tristan,’ a six-movement composition subtitled “Preludes for Piano, Tapes, and Orchestra,” takes center stage with Levit at the helm. The multifaceted nature of this work demands technical finesse and interpretive brilliance, and Levit meets the challenge with ease. As the music meanders between quiet contemplation and explosive fury, Levit navigates with suave expertise, setting new standards for this remarkable piece. The engineering perfectly captures the complexities and dynamic extremes of Henze’s scoring, allowing the Gewandhaus forces, conducted by Welser-Möst, to shine in all their glory.

While Levit’s performance of Henze’s ‘Tristan’ is undeniably exceptional, connoisseurs might also appreciate the world-premiere recording featuring pianist Homero Francesch, with the composer conducting the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra. Francesch’s precise detailing and close microphone placement offer a compelling alternative that resonates with equal brilliance.

Continuing the journey, Levit presents Zoltan Kocsis’ transcription of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde Act 1 Prelude. In a departure from other interpretations, Levit embraces a deliberate pace, skillfully using pedal effects to sustain tension and draw listeners deeper into the music. His masterful handling of this work highlights his versatility as a pianist and his ability to convey intricate emotions with grace and precision.

The album takes an emotionally intense turn with Ronald Stevenson’s piano edition of the Adagio from Mahler’s Tenth Symphony. Levit’s interpretation, clocking in at nearly 28 minutes, is a poignant and harrowing experience that tugs at the heartstrings. With profound depth and harmonic intensity, Levit extracts every ounce of emotion from Mahler’s counterpoint, leaving a lasting impact that lingers long after the last note has faded.

Concluding the album is Liszt’s Harmonies du Soir, where Levit once again demonstrates his ingenuity. His refreshing approach, marked by ingenuous pedaling and phrasings that minimize sentimentality and bombast, breathes new life into Liszt’s composition. Levit’s performance makes the work sound remarkably modern, revealing hidden layers and nuances that captivate the listener.

In ‘Tristan,’ Igor Levit showcases not only his technical brilliance but also his ability to connect deeply with the music’s emotional landscapes. His audacious programming choices add depth and meaning to the album, inviting listeners on a mesmerizing journey through the diverse realms of classical music.

‘Tristan’ is an enthralling and self-recommending album that unveils the artistic mastery of Igor Levit. With each track, he takes us on a profound exploration of musical landscapes, leaving us enchanted and inspired. This album is a must-have addition to any discerning music lover’s collection, promising endless hours of musical delight and introspection.