LisztSoc Newsletter 108 (draft) - Wagner Society of England

Schubert, Alkan and Liszt - Leslie Howard
27 th June 2012 at Steinway Hall, London
There was a capacity audience for this joint Alkan Society and Liszt Society event. And no
wonder! The splendid programme comprised Schubert’s Fantasie in C major “Der Wanderer”,
D760, Alkan’s Trois Petities Fantaisies, opus 41, and Liszt’s Grosses Konzertsolo, S176.
Unfortunately, this having been one of the hottest days of the year, the Steinway Hall was like
an inferno. This was taxing enough for the audience but what it must have been like for the
pianist is another matter! Nonetheless, Leslie Howard gave an inspired performance of these
three highly demanding works, introducing each of the pieces with fascinating remarks which
revealed his usual erudition and passion for the music.
It was particularly interesting to hear Leslie expound on Liszt’s views on some of the technical
hurdles faced by the pianist in Schubert’s “Wanderer”. Schubert was not a great pianist and
some of the fingerwork in this piece is so awkward that Liszt himself thought parts of it were
unplayable. Hence, Liszt’s own version of the piece which makes these passages lie much
better under the hand. As Leslie remarked, pianists nowadays adopt a “devil may care”
attitude and play it as Schubert wrote it.
It was similarly enthralling to hear about some of the technical demands made by Alkan
(another very great pianist) in his short fantasies. These pieces display many of the
extraordinarily original features of Alkan’s piano writing. They could really have been written
by no other composer and one was amazed, as always, at the uniqueness of his ideas and
methods. Possibly, this was a consequence of living a good part of his life almost as a recluse
and having little contact with the outside world.
Before the Liszt work, Leslie enlarged upon the very complicated history of the Grosses
Konzertsolo, which is a forerunner of the more-often played sonata. Why the Grosses
Konzertsolo is not performed more regularly I cannot imagine because it is a superb piece.
Great as the sonata is, how refreshing it would be if more pianists programmed the
Konzertsolo in their programmes in place of the ubiquitous sonata.
It only remains to say that Leslie was on top form and played the programme with
tremendous verve and brilliance coupled with sensitivity and musicianship. It was a privilege
to be able to attend such an intimate recital as a member of the Liszt Society.
Dear Sir,
MEMBERS’ LETTERS
Jim Vincent
I have been a member of the Liszt Society for over twenty seven years and have a complete
stock of Liszt Society Journals and Music Sections from those years. Now living in a small flat
in Reigate, Surrey, I find that I need to have a “thinning out” session and wish to pass on my
collection of journals to someone who would appreciate them. Would any member like to
acquire these?
If so, please do contact me on anthony.ricketts@gmail.com
Kind regards,
Anthony Ricketts
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