Divine Art Records

Composer: Franz Liszt

  • The Operatic Pianist: Volume II

    The Operatic Pianist: Volume II

    In the mid to late 19th century, piano transcriptions allowed access to the classics for the majority of people who could not attend opera or orchestral performances. In the area of ‘grand opera’ specialists included of course Franz Liszt – and also composers such as Sigismund Thalberg. Andrew Wright is a rarity in the current day being an expert interpreter and also arranger of operatic themes, and as well as an astonishing virtuosity enabling the drama of the scene to be preserved, he also keeps alive the tradition by which opera tunes became popular.

    Following the critical praise given to the original ‘Operatic Pianist’ album, this set includes transcriptions and fantasies by Wright, Thalberg, Liszt, Kullak, Leschetizky and Jaëll and amazingly a fine work by Saint-Saëns receiving its world premiere recording.

    Intense, dramatic and full of action this will appeal to both opera lovers and piano afficionados.

  • Natalia Andreeva plays Preludes & Fugues

    Natalia Andreeva plays Preludes & Fugues

    After the highly praised recording of music by Ustvolskaya (DDA 25130), Natalia Andreeva presents a brief survey of the Prelude and Fugue – one of the most prevalent of keyboard forms over the centuries. From Bach to Shostakovich, this concert-format album is a useful introduction to the genre, and also a fine interpretation for the experts to enjoy. Two of Rachmaninoff’s Etude-tableaux are included as ‘bonus encores’.

    Companion album: ‘Piano Sonatas’ from Beethoven, Scriabin and Prokofiev (DDA 25140). Plus: Ustvolskaya’s Violin and Piano music on DDA 25182

    Natalia Andreeva is a Russian pianist who is currently Lecturer in Piano at the University of Sydney, Australia. Her 2015 recording of the music of Galina Ustvolskaya was very well received, and like that album, this new recording of better-known classical and Romantic works is the result of many years of study, developing her own mental picture of these masterpieces and of what the composers were trying to communicate.

    There are various links between the works – in fact Liszt, Franck and Shostakovich were all influenced by Bach generally, as well as composing in the Prelude and Fugue form that he made a staple of the keyboard repertoire.

  • The Expressive Voice of the Flute

    The Expressive Voice of the Flute

    Among the instruments, the flute is one which has one of the widest expressive tones, especially heard to advantage in this collection of 46 light classics, ranging from the dreamy and romantic to the lively and sparkling. Original works are joined by many arrangements of popular orchestral or piano pieces, many by the performers. A feast of virtuosity and superb for both concentrated listening or lightening the mood. Over 145 minutes of great music. This set is a sequel to ‘Flute Vocalise’ (DDV24156) another fine collection (single CD midprice).

    Some tracks on this set were previously available on ASV and have been remastered and new recordings added.

  • Rainlight – Evocations of Water for Piano Solo

    Rainlight – Evocations of Water for Piano Solo

    From the gentle to the torrential, water in nature affects, blesses (and afflicts) us in many ways, and composers have been drawn to this theme time and again. Here one of the world’s brightest young pianists, in his first CD for us, pulls together a stunning programme representing little raindrops and fountains to oceans and stormy tempests, and including five very fine and atmospheric new pieces by British-Australian composer Alicia Grant.

  • The Piano at the Carnival

    The Piano at the Carnival

    Carnival is a concept of public merry making enjoyed in many countries and a natural inspiration for composers. In the second of his trilogy of piano music related to public entertainments Anthony Goldstone again excels in musicianship in a superb programme which includes the first recording of the entirety of Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite in the piano version.

    Be sure also to check out Anthony Goldstone’s companion CDs The Piano at the Ballet, vol. 1 (DDA25073), The Piano at the Ballet, vol. 2DDA 25148 and A Night at the Opera (DDA25067).

  • A Night at the Opera

    A Night at the Opera

    Paraphrases, transcriptions and variations on operatic themes for piano solo. Some well known pieces here and some very rare pieces, all stunningly performed and the most wonderful programme of delights. Be sure also to check out Anthony Goldstone’s companion CDs The Piano at the Ballet (DDA25073), Piano at the Ballet volume 2 (DDA 25148)and The Piano at the Carnival (DDA25076).

    “Played with real charm. Of all the CDs I’ve heard of these virtuoso showpieces based on other music this is one of the best … a great pianist.” – Rob Cowan (BBC Radio 3, 16 June 2008)

    Also available are two totally different sets of transcriptions played by Andrew Wright: The Operatic Pianist DDA 25113 and DDA 25153

  • “PROTÉGÉ” – Liszt and Reubke Piano Sonatas

    “PROTÉGÉ” – Liszt and Reubke Piano Sonatas

    Franz Liszt is of course the father of Romantic pianism and his Sonata in B minor is a tour-de-force of whirlwind phrasing and technical demands. Julius Reubke was one of his favoured pupils, whose Sonata in B flat minor is very much in the same mould, and a real challenge to any pianist. Here we present the sonatas of master and pupil together for the first time, admirably performed by celebrated English pianist Anthony Hewitt.

    A Gramophone Magazine Recommended Recording

  • Tzigane

    Tzigane

    A dazzling display of fireworks from the keyboard, this new recording by Anthony Goldstone shows to best effect both his virtuosity and musicianship. Featuring four world première recordings and three superb arrangements by the pianist, a piano showcase of the highest standing.

    The cover image for this CD is the painting “Gypsy Dancer” by the remarkable artist Nina Mikhailenko whose work is full of vitality and passion: see her website.