Leif Ove Andsnes (piano), The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
Via Crucis (The 14 Stations of the Cross), S53
Consolations, Six Pensées poétiques, S. 172
Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, S. 173. No. 9. Andante lagrimoso & No. 8. Miserere, d'après Palestrina. Largo
On his latest album “Liszt: Via Crucis & Solo Piano Works” for Sony Classical, Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes unveils the often-forgotten side of the famed virtuoso Franz Liszt - the sacred music that offers a more intimate picture of the man and his deeply held faith.
With acclaimed vocal ensemble the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, Andsnes has recorded Liszt’s remarkable late work Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross’) for choir and piano. The pianist completes his all-Liszt album with the solo piano work Consolations and two movements from the composer’s Harmonies poétiques et religieuses.
"Apart from supporting various singers and the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir (the conductor is Grete Pedersen), Andsnes and his piano handle several Stations on their own, all without disturbing the strange drifting radiance that settles over the work as a whole." - The Times, 9th April 2025