This is a superb performance. Gunnar Johansen always puts the music first and he takes his time unfurling this great poetic masterpiece. He never sensationalized Liszt, although he had such a comprehensive technique that he was able to record the most taxing works without the listener sensing that he was under any strain. Sadly, both the piano and the sound quality on his many, many recordings is pretty rudimentary, but I am more and more impressed each time I hear his playing. He was much more than a virtuoso.
This is a superb performance. Gunnar Johansen always puts the music first and he takes his time unfurling this great poetic masterpiece. He never sensationalized Liszt, although he had such a comprehensive technique that he was able to record the most taxing works without the listener sensing that he was under any strain. Sadly, both the piano and the sound quality on his many, many recordings is pretty rudimentary, but I am more and more impressed each time I hear his playing. He was much more than a virtuoso.