Franz Liszt; César Franck - De Profundis (Charles Owen)

Information

Composer: Franz Liszt; César Franck

1. Liszt - Deux Légendes, S.175: No. 1, St. Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds
2. Liszt - Deux Légendes, S.175: No. 2, St. Francis of Paola walking on the waves
3. Liszt - Variations on JS Bach's Cantata Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, S.179
4. Liszt - Les jeux d'eaux à la Villa d'Este from Années de pèlerinage III, S.163/4
5. Franck - Prélude, Choral et Fugue, FWV 21: I. Prélude
6. Franck - Prélude, Choral et Fugue, FWV 21: II. Choral
7. Franck - Prélude, Choral et Fugue, FWV 21: III. Fugue

Charles Owen, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Orchid Classics

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This program centers on two profound works: Franz Liszt’s Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen and César Franck’s Prélude, choral and fugue, each exploring spiritual journeys through grief, doubt, and despair, ultimately culminating in redemptive hope. Liszt, the flamboyant virtuoso, and Franck, the introspective organist, were united by their shared Catholic faith, which infused their music with solace and inspiration. The program also evokes nature’s beauty, with Liszt capturing birdsong and shimmering waters through a spectrum of piano colors, from ethereal suspension to powerful bass, reflecting both spiritual contemplation and the transcendence of the soul.

Charles Owen, born in 1971, is a British classical pianist renowned for his wide-ranging repertoire and international career. He has performed at major venues including ["point_of_interest","Wigmore Hall","London concert hall"], _of_interest","Carnegie Hall","New York concert hall"], and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and Schumann. Co-Artistic Director of the London Piano Festival with Katya Apekisheva, he commissions new piano works and teaches at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He is a Steinway & Sons UK Ambassador and supports the charity Help Musicians.

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