Murray Perahia Plays Franck & Liszt  (Audio CD) 
by Cesar Franck

Until I heard this disc, I thought that Bolet was head and shoulders above the crowd in his playing of Liszt repertoire. After hearing Perahia play the two abovementioned etudes and the Spanish Rhapsody, I would say that Bolet may have met his match, at least for those particular pieces. Perahia's combination of razor sharp technique as well as lyrical interpretations are mind boggling. I could not imagine a better performance of any of these three pieces.

Due to the immense technical difficulties presented in these Liszt pieces, the pianist must have complete mastery of these difficulties in order to bring out the musical aspect. The apparent facility with which Perahia does this prompts the question: did Perahia also make a deal with Mephistophles?

9 of 11 found the following review helpful:

Fantastic Rapsody Espagnole!  Apr 25, 2000
I bought this CD because i needed to confirm my judgement that this outstanding pianist could bring some fresh air by playing Listz with such a great talent? In a previous review of the Aldeburgh Recital by Perahia (Sony SK 46437) i was totally impressed by his interpretation of the hungarian rapsody number 12, asking why he did not record yet the Complete Hungarian Suite. The judgement is confirmed when listening the Rapsody Espagnole which has less degree of complexity compared to the more famous & traditionnal Hungarian Masterpieces... Nevermind, the rythm, thematic melody and emotion are still present and Perahia made a fantastic play, keeping the music integrity without unnecessary artifacts. And some congratulation for Sony having recorded this piece with a perfect high definition sound! Particular attention from the third minute when the major theme is coming again and will return in a brilliant final. Perahia is outstanding there and will stay as such with an incredible facility going crecendo. Then will start the right hand "trille" in a pseudo waltz sequence.....then at the tenth minute come some deep sound waves before reaching the major theme again in a amazing final. In Annees de Pelerinage the perfection & interpretation by Brendel seems to be superior but difference is so small! Mephisto Walz (from Faust Them) is another achievement in the record. Franck & Listz are close in their education, they got same music teacher and both were influenced by religion culte and J.S Bach! This prelude choral by Franck has definitely some analogy with Listz and Perahia gives a full dimension of the musical creativity of both talented composers. But if the CD needs a special award, it is with the Listz's Spanish Rapsody! Bravo Mr Perahia, We may recommend this record as a must buy because it really deserves it.....