CD review ***** (Liszt – Harmonies Poétiques et Religieuses)

Aart van der Wal, Opus Klassiek

As a matter of fact, her Liszt is simply stunning. Unfortunately, this beautiful music does not always sound this radiant, this expressive and so richly varied. Giorgini’s lyrical signature is just as impressive (perhaps overwhelming is a better word) as the technical allure of her playing. Exuberance and stillness, virtuoso rhetoric and deeply felt contemplation: Giorgini apparently does not hesitate in this enchanting and catchy recital in which magic is highly regarded. And these are truly colossal pieces, both in terms of pianistics and content, with the absolute ‘outliers’ being III Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude, IV Pensée des morts and VII Funérailles. The Bösendorfer 280VC (why do we hear so little of the instruments of this famous piano builder?) is beautifully captured. No less than 85 minutes of pure beauty on one CD. Unbelievable.