Franz Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1/Sonata in B Minor/Totentanz

In the grand tradition of classical music that makes you want to throw your powdered wig in the air and scream "YAAAAS QUEEN," Benedek Horvath teams up with the Sinfonieorchester Basel and conductor Hans Drewanz to deliver a performance of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Sonata In B Min that is nothing short of legendary. From the moment Horvath's fingers touch the keys, you can tell this is going to be a wild ride. The Piano Concerto No. 1 is a whirlwind of emotion and virtuosity, with Horvath navigating Liszt's demanding passages with the grace of a gazelle, and the power of a charging bull. The orchestra, under the precise baton of Drewanz, provides the perfect backdrop for Horvath's dazzling display of piano wizardry. But wait, there's more! The Sonata In B Min takes things up a notch, with Horvath delving deep into the emotional core of the piece, his fingers caressing the keys with an intensity that is both thrilling and heartbreaking. And when the orchestra joins in, the result is nothing short of spellbinding. And let's not forget about Totentanz, the epic finale that brings the whole album to a cathartic climax. Horvath's lightning-fast fingers dance across the keys in a death-defying display of pianistic prowess, while the orchestra roars and rumbles like a thunderstorm on the horizon. In conclusion, this album is a must-listen for anyone who loves classical music that is both technically dazzling and emotionally charged. Benedek Horvath, Sinfonieorchester Basel, and Hans Drewanz have truly outdone themselves with this electrifying performance. Pitchfork rating: 9.5/10.