Liszt Piano Music

Before my last infusion, I checked out some CD's from the Library's collection, one of which was of religious songs written by Liszt for piano. While I tend to be a sucker for Romantic piano music, I am usually drawn to Chopin and Brahms, less to Liszt.

This particular collection of songs was quite appealing, including pieces titled Ave maria, Pater Noster, Prayer to God, etc. How easy to get wrapped up in the music pouring forth from the headset. This music felt less dense, less dramatically contrived than some of his other works. I listened several times, following these prayers as they rose upward.

I wonder, did this man who lived in another time, another place, have a close relationship with God? Did he write from personal experience, from a head understanding, from some upbringing? I do not know enough of his life, but will see what I can find out.

And what of the pianist interpreting the music? Did he understand? Certainly there was a technical proficiency, but I want to hear some of my more favorite pianists play these songs. Some pianists whose hearts are passionate in a way with which I reverberate. Just as not all speakers are equally eloquent, not all pianists are equally passionate!

One can never truly know the heart of another, but this music definitely bears further investigation.