Julian von Károlyi - Plays Liszt, Debussy and Ravel: Wartime German Radio Recordings (2014)

Julian von Karolyi was one of the leading pianists of the 20th century, but has now unjustly faded into obscurity. The main attraction is Karolyi’s playing, a combination of deeply probing intellect, an exquisite touch and discerning dynamics in the delicate moments, stupendous virtuosity, and musicianship of the highest level. These concertos and piano works were recorded in the 1940s during World War II, at the height of his power, and are appearing on CD for the first time.


Tracks:

1-4. LISZT: Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat Major, HS.124 [18:18]
Julian von Károlyi ∙ piano
Großes Berliner Rundfunkorchester
Johannes Schüler ∙ conductor
Recorded ∙ 18 March 1943 ∙ Berlin ∙ Masurenallee ∙ Haus des Rundfunks ∙ Saal 1 ∙ Reichssender Berlin ∙ Radio Studio Recording

5-8. LISZT: Piano Concerto No.2 in A Major, HS.125 [19:51]
Julian von Károlyi ∙ piano
Großes Berliner Rundfunkorchester
Heinzkarl Weigel ∙ conductor
Recorded ∙ 17 May 1943 ∙ Berlin ∙ Masurenallee ∙ Haus des Rundfunks ∙ Saal 1 ∙ Reichssender Berlin ∙ Radio Studio Recording

9. DEBUSSY: Prélude No.8 ‘La fille aux cheveux de lin’, Livre I, L 117/8 [01:32]
10. DEBUSSY: Prélude No.9 ‘Sérénade Interrompue’, Livre I, L 117/9 [01:52]
11. DEBUSSY: Prélude No.12 ‘Feux d’artifice’, Livre II, L 123/12 [03:54]
12. RAVEL: Jeux d’eau [04:52]
13. RAVEL: Ondine, Gaspard de la nuit [05:27]
14. LISZT: Valse oubliée No.1 in F-sharp Major, HS.215 [02:23]
15. LISZT: La campanella, Grande étude de Paganini, HS.141/3 [04:16]
Recorded ∙ 08 October 1944 ∙ Berlin ∙ Masurenallee ∙ Haus des Rundfunks ∙ Saal 2 ∙ Reichssender Berlin ∙ Radio Studio Recording