PIANO MUSIC - Abeille Musique

absolutely faithful to David's text, allowing himself no harmonie or virtuosic élaboration. The
single exception is Liszt's second version of Ungarisch which adopts a new tempo — 'Allegro
marziale' instead of'Allegretto moderato' — adds a new introduction and develops David's
opening theme along very différent lines, discarding the original middle section completely, and
working up to rather a frenzied conclusion. Sadly for Ferdinand David, not just his Originals but
even Liszt's transcriptions have been out of print for many years, and the New Liszt Edition is
some years from reprinting Liszt's versions. A pity, because there is much attractive material
here which would enliven the sameness of many a deadly recital programme.
LESLIE
HOWARD
British pianist Leslie Howard was born in Australia, has lived in London since 1972, and in 1991
celebrates the twenty-fifìth season of an international recital, concerto and Chamber music career which
has taken him ali over the world. With many distinctions as pianist, composer, and musicologist,
Howard maintains a vast repertoire which includes over eighty concertos and specialities such as the
rare Russian literature and the complete piano works of Beethoven and Liszt. His dedication to the
music of Liszt has has been recognised by many accolades, including the Hungarian Government's
Ferenc Liszt Medal of Honour. Leslie Howard succeeded the late Louis Kentner as President of the
British Liszt Society where, in conjunction with the present sériés of recordings, he has devoted much
effort to the dissémination of Liszt's music, and to the élimination of the discrimination bom of
ignorance that has often been raised against the Hungarian master.
Leslie Howard's most important recording achievement is the continuing sériés of the complete piano
music of Liszt for Hyperion, listed below. In Budapest, in 1989, he was awarded the Grand Prix du
Disque of the Hungarian Liszt Society for his recording of the Ballades, Legends and Polonaises
(Volume 2), and Volumes 5 and 6 were similarly honoured in 1991.
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