Wilhelm Kempff - Liszt And Schumann

Review by Marcel Huss-Nielsen

Wilhelm Kempff's album Liszt and Schumann is a stunning demonstration of the pianist's virtuosity and musicality. The album features Kempff's interpretations of works by two of the most important composers of the Romantic era: Franz Liszt and Robert Schumann.

Kempff's performances of Liszt's Sonata in B minor and Schumann's Fantasie in C major are particularly noteworthy. In the Liszt Sonata, Kempff masterfully navigates the complex and technically demanding passages with ease, while also bringing out the work's emotional depth and complexity. His interpretation of the Schumann Fantasie is similarly impressive, with Kempff capturing the work's shifting moods and harmonies with great sensitivity.

Throughout the album, Kempff demonstrates his remarkable technical prowess, with his playing characterized by a fluidity and precision that is truly remarkable. At the same time, he never loses sight of the emotional content of the music, ensuring that his performances are always deeply expressive and engaging.

Summary by Marcel Huss-Nielsen

Liszt and Schumann is a must-have album for any fan of classical piano music, and a testament to Wilhelm Kempff's status as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.