Liszt: Via Crucis (The 14 Stations of the Cross), S53

'Via Crucis' is probably one of Franz Liszt's boldest and most original works. Its musical inspiration, which ranges from Gregorian chant to Lutheran chorales, is here expressed in extremely modern harmonies that are at times Wagnerian. The programme is completed with Liszt piano pieces on a religious theme, played by Jean-Claude Pennetier: 'Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen' and 'Pater Noster', written after the death of Liszt's daughter Blandine, and plainchant from the liturgy of Holy Week, one of the major sources of inspiration for 'Via Crucis'.

Founded in 1996 the Estonian ensemble Vox Clamantis is conducted by Jaan-Eik Tulve.

Liszt wrote his Way of the Cross between 1878 and 1879. It is astonishing in its modernity and diversity. Liszt was influenced by Gregorian Chant, the Lutheran liturgy and works by J S Bach. This legendary performance by the BBC Northern Singers has been restored and remastered.

Reinbert de Leeuw is well known as a pianist and conductor of contemporary music and Vera Beths is one of the most important Dutch violinists of the first post-war generation.

Via Crucis is one of Reinbert de Leeuw’s favorite pieces. In an interview in 2002 he said that a in the Fourth Station was ‘the most beautiful note’ in the history of music. In that same year he performed for the first time the solo piano version that he would go on to feature more often in recitals.

This recording of Liszt’s work based on the Stations of the Cross won the Grand Prix International du Disque Liszt when it was first released in 1994. “Spirituality and formal perfection… this recording marks a milestone.” Diapason.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Liszt’s birth, this new format title (2 CDs + 50,000 word biography) explores the fascinating world of LIZST: HIS LIFE AND MUSIC.

Perhaps the greatest pianist who has ever lived, Liszt was one of the titanic musical figures of the Romantic age. Abandoning his spectacular career as a travelling virtuoso in his mid-thirties, this passionate lover and fond father dedicated himself instead to a life of composing, conducting, teaching and, increasingly, religious devotion, eventually taking minor orders in the Roman Catholic Church. This biography explores an enthralling life lived for long periods in France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the composer’s native Hungary – a kaleidoscope of cultural worlds whose folk music, literature and landscapes richly coloured Liszt’s own music.

The 2 CDs feature music spanning Liszt’s career, and the free website www.naxosaudiobooks/lisztlifeandmusic offers hours of extra music and other bonus material.