Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 – Byron Janis / Kondrashin / Rozhdestvensky (Newton Classics CD)

• UPC: 8718247710584
• MPN: 8802058
• Brand Name: Newton Classics

Overview

This Newton Classics release showcases the thrilling artistry of Byron Janis, one of America’s most brilliant pianists of the 20th century, performing Franz Liszt’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 with two legendary Russian maestros: Kirill Kondrashin and Gennady Rozhdestvensky.

Recorded in Moscow (1962) and New York (1961), these historic performances radiate passion, fire, and technical command. Supplemented by virtuosic miniatures from Schumann, de Falla, Liszt, and Guion, the program reveals Janis’s range—from Romantic introspection to dazzling bravura.

Remastered from the original analog masters by Universal International Music and reissued by Newton Classics (2011), this album captures the golden era of pianism in vivid ADD stereo sound.

Product Features

• Format: Single CD
• Sound: ADD Stereo
• Total Duration: 63′28

• Recording Dates & Venues:

  Original Label: Universal International Music B.V. (1990 compilation)
  • June 1962 – Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Moscow (Liszt Piano Concerto No.1)
  • October 1961 – Fine Recording Studios, New York (Liszt Piano Concerto No.2 & solo works)
• Reissue Label: Newton Classics B.V. (2011)
• Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Romantic Piano Concertos & Character Pieces

Performers:

• Byron Janis – Piano
• Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra – Conductor: Kirill Kondrashin
• Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra – Conductor: Gennady Rozhdestvensky

Interesting Facts

• A Rare East–West Collaboration: During the height of the Cold War, Byron Janis became the first American pianist officially invited to record in the Soviet Union—these Moscow sessions with Kondrashin are now legendary.

• Liszt’s Virtuosity, Reimagined: The Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 are pinnacles of Romantic pianism, combining orchestral grandeur with dazzling keyboard writing—perfect vehicles for Janis’s fiery brilliance.

• Two Russian Titans: Conductors Kondrashin and Rozhdestvensky—icons of the Russian school—provide richly textured orchestral support, emphasizing Liszt’s symphonic sweep.

• A Portrait in Miniature: The second half of the program explores Romantic and modern piano miniatures, from Schumann’s introspective Romanza to Falla’s vibrant Miller’s Dance and Guion’s Americana charm.

• Historic Sound, Modern Precision: Remastered in 2011, this ADD transfer restores warmth and dynamic clarity while preserving the authenticity of the original analog recordings.

Track Listing

Franz Liszt (1811–1886)

• Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S.124 I. Allegro maestoso – 5′07 II. Quasi adagio – Allegretto vivace – Allegro animato – 8′13 III. Allegro marziale animato – 4′07

  Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra / Kirill Kondrashin

• Piano Concerto No. 2 in A major, S.125 I. Adagio sostenuto assai – 4′39 II. Allegro agitato assai – 2′06 III. Allegro moderato – 4′57 IV. Allegro deciso – 2′43 V. Marziale un poco meno allegro – 3′36 VI. Allegro animato – 1′41

  Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra / Gennady Rozhdestvensky

Additional Works:

• Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.6 in D♭, S.244 – 6′21
• Liszt: Valse oubliée No.1 in F♯, S.215 – 2′53
• Schumann: Romanza, Op.28 No.2 in F♯ – 3′10
• Schumann: Novellette, Op.21 No.1 in F – 5′00
• Manuel de Falla: El sombrero de tres picos – “The Miller’s Dance” – 1′42
• Liszt: Sonetto 104 del Petrarca – 5′59
• David Guion: The Harmonica Player – 1′14

Publishers

Universal International Music B.V. – Original Compilation © 1990 Newton Classics B.V. – Reissue © 2011 Art Direction & Design: Jan Martin Wilschut (BND Amsterdam / Hotsprings) Cover Image: Lebrecht / HH LC 24605 Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands

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