Lately, I have discovered Liszt's piano transcriptions of Beethoven's 9 symphonies. Very great stuff! I'm used to hearing the symphonies as they were originally composed (who isn't?), but hearing them played on a piano is much like hearing the something different, while, at the same time, recognizing all of the various parts of the original orchestration It has an interesting effect, almost like watching a film in black and white. You know all of the various parts of the symphony and how they sound, but your mind is more active in making the connection between the sound of the piano and how you are used to hearing it. Just like how your mind works visually while watching a film in black and white.
There are other re-orchestrations I have heard (i.e. Mahler's re-orchestration of the 9th), among others. But, the effect just isn't there when an orchestra is playing a different version of an originally orchestral piece--there's just not enough difference in sound. The more minute sound of a chamber ensemble or piano seems much more effective.
I mentioned the Liszt piano transcriptions, are there any others anyone can recommend? Perhaps either solo piano or chamber?
Well then there are always those pieces that composers have transposed either from orchestra to piano or orchestrated from the piano they wrote it for. Famous example is Ravel's Pavane for a Dead Princess, originally composed for piano. Ravel rewrote it for the orchestra, which is the more commonly-known version, but the piano version is still decently commonly-heard. That's the first one that came to mind for me.
I recently downloaded Hector Berlioz's Requiem and Symphonie Fantastique from IMSLP as a Piano reduction score. I have yet to find any recording of it, but I'd definitely love too.
Naxos has a HUGE set of the transcription of Brahms' works, including the symphonies, concerti, and the German Requiem, for two pianos.
And, yes, I completely agree with you on Liszt's transcriptions. Apart from a few moments where the thing sounds a bit awkward, it's wonderful.
And look for a couple of CDs with Gil Shaham and piano accompanist playing many short orchestral works, like the Danse Macabre for instance. One of them is called 'Dance of the Devil.' The other is a CD with opera transcriptions.
Just this morning I've been listening to Bach's four Suites for Orchestra, BWV 1066-1069, played by the Brazilian Guitar Quartet. They use two regular Classical guitars and two eight-string guitars. It sounds wonderful to me and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
As Opus67 mentioned, the Brahms' Piano for Four Hands transcriptions of most (at least a lot) of Brahms' chamber and orchestral works are definitely worth checking out. In particular, I really enjoy the Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor in this medium.
No kidding?! After hearing the second movement of the 2nd on piano, it really sounds as if it were intended for piano. It's a perfect fit. Also, the Adagio from 4, Andante con moto from 5, and Allegretto from 7.
In the same "reduction" category, how about Bruckner's 8th symphony transcribed for organ? - I have that CD by Lionel Rogg of Geneva. Quite amazing. Although the transcription is by Lionel Rogg, Bruckner was an organist himself. Listening to the 8th symphony played on an organ is a little like listening to what Bruckner was thinking when he was writing the work.
Bruckner's symphonies are so unique because of their orchestration and themes, which are really best suited to an organ. It is a paradox that Bruckner hardly ever composed for the organ, yet was an organist. He was thinking "organ" when he was composing for orchestra.
Neither chamber ensemble nor a piano but transcriptions of Beethoven's symphonies to be played on the organ. The work has been performed by one Ernst-Erich Stender. I came across this at one of the internet stations I listen to. link...the 5th symphony will be aired at 22:23 PST (24th Aug.). It seems interesting, but alas I will not be able to listen to it.
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