Magic Fire and other Wagner transcriptions

Risto-Matti Marin · Richard Wagner · Jukka Nykänen · Franz Liszt

2013 · ABCD 353

Credits

Performers: Risto-Matti Marin — Piano
Composers: Richard WagnerJukka Nykänen — ComposerFranz Liszt — ComposerFerruccio Busoni — Composer

About this release

Magic Fire and other Wagner transcriptions
Wagner transcriptions
Risto-Matti Mar's piano
Risto-Matti Marin's fine new album Magic Fire and other Wagner transcriptions contains piano transcriptions of Wagner's works by six different composers in honor of the Wagner anniversary. Marin writes about the tradition of Wagner transcriptions:
Richard Wagner's (1813-1883) music was adapted during the 19th century for many different ensembles and instruments, from piano quintet to organ harmony. [...] In terms of its characteristics, the piano is exceptionally well suited as a mediator of the tonal colors and substantive grandeur of Wagner's operatic music. Concert transcriptions of Wagner's music prepared for piano have survived in the repertoire to this day. They not only reflect the original works, but are also pianistic self-portraits of their authors. From them you can sense how different aspects of Wagner's music interested each arranger. Wagner arrangements have had a solid tradition since Wagner's time. His friend and supporter Franz Liszt (1811-1886) was the most important of the arrangers, but many others have also succeeded in bringing Wagner's world to life on the piano.
Risto-Matti Marin is deeply familiar with the tradition of transcriptions. The album is his third pianism of that kind for Alba, and already his fifth overall. In March, Marin will also receive international publicity: His extensive article on the piano arrangements of Wagner's operas will be published in English in the widely respected piano publication International Piano.

Tracks

1.Paraphrase on the themes of The Flying Dutchmancomp. Richard Wagner (1813-1883)ISRC FIABA12005606:58
2.Spinning Song from The Flying Dutchmancomp. Franz LisztISRC FIABA12005615:02
3.Prelude to “Tristan und Isolde“comp. Richard WagnerISRC FIABA120056211:18
4.The Ring of the Nibelung: Valhallacomp. Franz LisztISRC FIABA12005635:58
5.The Ring of the Nibelung: Siegmund‘s Lovesongcomp. Richard WagnerISRC FIABA12005642:59
6.The Ring of the Nibelung: Magic Firecomp. Richard WagnerISRC FIABA12005654:09
7.The Ring of the Nibelung: The Ride of the Valkyriescomp. Richard WagnerISRC FIABA12005664:55
8.The Ring of the Nibelung: Forest Murmurscomp. Richard WagnerISRC FIABA12005674:59
9.The Ring of the Nibelung: Funeral Marchcomp. Ferruccio BusoniISRC FIABA12005689:14
10.Tannhäuser Ouvertürecomp. Franz LisztISRC FIABA120056915:15

Reviews

Brassin’s ‘Forest Murmurs’, very unlike Liszt’s histrionics, delightfully explores Wagner, bringing a different sense of sound and texture.
American Record Guide · Sang Woo Kang · January 15, 2014
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The sound is also a little less bright, less “toppy,” though this is perhaps a function of the difference in instruments.
Audiophile Audition · Lee Passarella · February 24, 2014
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There are also splendid single albums from Risto-Matti Marin (Alba) and Gábor Farkas (Steinway); both are fine artists with a clear and compelling affinity for these virtuosic scores.
MusicWeb International · Dan Morgan · May 22, 2018
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Wagner siivittää Risto-Matti Marinin transkriptioprojektia
”Lukuisista Wagnerin oopperoiden transkriptioista ja parafraaseista Marin on tohtoritason asiantuntemuksella valinnut edustavan ja dramaattisesti toimivan kattauksen. […] Marinin jyhkeälle mutta riittävän erottelukykyiselle pianismille Wagner-sovitukset ovat paras mahdollinen temmellyskenttä.[…] Levyn vaikuttavimpia hetkiä ovat varmaotteiset siirtymät massiivisesta äänivallista lempeään pianissimoon. […] Teosten ja etenkin soiton paras…
Yle Uudet levyt · Kare Eskola
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883)
Magic Fire and other Wagner transcriptions
Parafraasi Lentävän hollantilaisen teemoista (transcr. Jukka Nykänen) [6:58]
Spinnerlied aus dem Fliegenden Holländer (transcr. Franz Liszt)
[5:02]
Prelude to Tristan und Isolde (transcr. Ernest Schelling) [11:18]
Der Ring des Nibelungen
Walhalla (transcr. Liszt) [5:58]
Siegmunds Liebesgesang (transcr.
MusicWeb International
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