Franz Liszt: Symphonic Poems Vol. 3

This disc is Vol. 3 in Noseda’s survey of Liszt’s Symphonic Poems, covering Mazeppa, Heroïde funèbre, Prometheus and Festklänge. In The Times Geoff Brown writes, ‘the Italian temperament of Gianandrea Noseda is ideal for Liszt’ Certainly the clarity and energy that Noseda brings to this music coupled with the wonderful transparency of colours created by the BBC Philharmonic make this a winning series. Indeed, both previous volumes have been very well received, the second being named ‘Disc of the Month’ by BBC Music Magazine. Volume 4 will be recorded in early 2008 and plans are in hand to record the Dante Symphony too.

The BBC orchestra is again on its toes throughout and th Chandos recording is in the demonstration class. The Penguin Guide – 1000 Greatest Classical Recordings 2011-12

Mazeppa is the most familiar of these works, and Noseda gives it a rousing performance – it’s that sort of piece with a lot of overblown bombast and driving rhythms. The recording is what we’ve come to expect from this orchestra and label, with good separation, and a real sense of space. BBC Music Magazine

No one could ever accuse Liszt of a lack or largesse. And listening to Vol 3 in Chandos’s recordings of the symphonic poems you are made more aware that ever of his role as an over-reacher, a towering figure who sought to loosen all formal constraints and allow the river of Romanticism to rush by in full spate… it says much for the BBC Philharmonic under Gianandrea Noseda that they once more temper drama with discretion. They achieve a special sense of exultance rather than bombast in Festklänge… and they are no less successful in the vast spans of the Héroïde funèbre… Fluent and eloquent as ever, Noseda and his orchestra have once more been superbly recorded. – Gramophone

Both Bernard Haitink and Kurt Masur have previously flown the flag for Liszt’s genius in this genre, but this recording – Chandos sound at its most lively and enveloping – beats them hands down. The Telegraph

This emotional rollercoaster of a disc forms the third instalment of Gianandrea Noseda’s monumental survey of Liszt’s orchestral music…. Noseda does wonders with it… – The Guardian

Gripping performance… – Classic FM Magazine

Gianandrea Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic continues to win me over to the symphonic Poems of Liszt, Volume 3 from Chandos has the uplifting Festival Sounds, the sombre Heroic Elegy, the horrific Prometheus, with his liver regenerating each night to feed an eagle and the exciting Mazeppa. Fine performances and recorded sound here. Liverpool Daily Post

The orchestra has developed beautifully under Noseda… A superlative performance – The Independent on Sunday

Reviews for the previous two volumes:

Noseda conducts the BBC Philharmonic orchestra in scintillating, compellingly atmospheric, deeply considered and richly coloured performances. – The Sunday Times