John Smyth wrote:
>Regarding negative feelings about Liszt, one should definitely investigate
>Lizst's Sonata in B minor--it's quite a journey and suggests little in the
>way of insincerity to my ears. My favorite modern performance is Krystian
>Zimerman on DG.
>
>Might change your mind!
Not a chance! This is one of the works which convinces me to an even
greater degree of certainty that I do not connect with this man. Since you
have given your opinion I would like to give mine: The Liszt sonata is
quite possibly the single most overrated work in the piano literature. It
moves me about as much as an episode from Homeboys in Outer Space. I don't
mind listening to virtuosity, I want to make that clear. I just don't like
Liszt's music.
One other thing!! Someone on this list told me that I cannot make the
accusations about pretentious music when speaking of Liszt's religious
works. Actually, I can make those accusations about anything that I really
get those feelings (or lack of feelings) from. I don't tell anyone that
they can't call his music heart wrenching now do I?
--Wes Crone