(October 2020) Episode 286 is FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN. Mr. Piano’s technical wizardry was balanced by delicate textures and melodic harmonies, inventing ways a piano could telling a musical story.  The intimacy of his works contrasts with the over-wrought flourishes that can burden Romantic-era music.  His dedication to composing almost exclusively on piano (avoiding operas, cantatas, lieder, etc.) is commendable and refreshing, and made for an enjoyable episode.

Favorite piece: Piano Sonata #2 (including the famous “Funeral March”)

Favorite small piano piece: Polonaise in A♭ major (“Heroic”)

Favorite orchestral piece: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2

Compared to expectations: same

(August 2020) Episode 278 is FRANZ LISZT. Known as both the Greatest Pianist and Greatest Showman of his time. His technical wizardry and force on the piano secure his influential place in musical history, but I wonder whether his reputation as an entertainer serves to inflate his reputation as a composer. Or maybe that’s just my bias against Romantic-era music showing through.  He was very prolific — it’s amazing he had any time left for the ladies — composing in all forms and with countless arrangements of his own and others’ works. 

Favorite piece: Piano Sonata In B Minor

Favorite orchestral piece: Faust Symphony (it’s big!)

Favorite suite: Hungarian Rhapsodies (esp. #2, I prefer the orchestrated versions)

Favorite little piano piece: Ballade #1

Favorite choral work: Hungarian Coronation Mass

Compared to expectations: ↓