BRAHMS & LISZT: Live at the Rudolfinum - Jitka Cechova

J. Brahms - Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5
F. Liszt - Sonata in B minor, Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514

Jitka Čechová - piano (Steinway)

New recording / Live

Following the series of four CDs featuring Smetana piano works (Supraphon SU 3841-44), the ebullient pianist and buttress of the highly acclaimed Smetana Trio, Jitka Čechová,decided to "take up the gauntlet" with a live concert recording, which deprives the performer of the comfort of detailed corrections in the studio.

Owing to their sheer difficulty, Brahms' and Liszt's compositions are a great challenge for any renowned pianist. The third (and final) sonata created by the 20-year-old Brahms and the one and only sonata by the 42-year-old Liszt originated in the very same year. Whereas the former met with a significant response, the latter had to struggle for more than half a century to gain a firm foothold in concert programmes. Today, both of the pieces are deservedly ranked among the apexes of Romantic piano music. In Jitka Čechová's masterful and inspired interpretation, enhanced by the splendid acoustics of Prague's Rudolfinum, the recording is a truly fantastic experience.

Johannes Brahms
Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5
1. Allegro maestoso 10:22
2. Andante espressivo 10:13
3. Scherzo. Allegro energico 04:59
4. Intermezzo. Andante molto (Rückblik) 03:40
5. Finale. Allegro moderato ma non rubato 08:10
Ferenc Liszt
6. Piano Sonata in B minor (in one movement). S 178 29:50
Ferenc Liszt
7. Mephisto Waltz No. 1 "Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke", S 514 12:08