Franz Liszt - Complete Piano Music, Vol. 70 (Christopher Williams)

Information

Composer: Franz Liszt

1. Goethe-Festmarsch, S. 521 (Second Version)
2. Marche funèbre, S. 226a
3. Seconde marche hongroise (Ungarischer Sturmmarsch), S. 524 (Second Version)
4. Marche hongroise, S. 233b
5. Ungarischer Geschwindmarsch (Magyar Gyors induló), S. 233
6. Heroischer Marsch im ungarischen Styl, S. 231
7. Vom Fels zum Meer (Deutscher Siegesmarsch), S. 229
8. Bülow-Marsch, S. 230
9. Ungarischer Marsch, S. 229a
10. Siegesmarsch-Marche triomphale, S. 233a
11. Seconde marche hongroise (Ungarischer Sturmmarsch), S. 232 (First Version)
12. Huldigungsmarsch, S. 228 (Second Version)
13. Ungarischer Marsch zur Krönungsfeier in Ofen-Pest am 8ten Juni 1867, S. 523
14. Festmarsch zur Säkularfeier von Goethes Geburtstag, S. 227 (First Version)

Christopher Williams, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

_____________________

Franz Liszt’s lifelong exploration of the march form serves as a dynamic canvas for public expression, architectural innovation, and harmonic daring. Elevating the genre beyond simple ceremonial pageantry, Liszt infused his marches with symphonic depth and rich thematic development. Highlights such as the Goethe-Festmarsch transcend mere occasion, while the poignant Marche funèbre—written shortly after his father's death—prefigures the stark, austere language of his late period. Incorporating stylized folk idioms and nationalistic Hungarian fervor, Liszt’s works in this form blend expressive gravitas with bold structural design, demonstrating his transformative impact on a traditional musical structure.

Welsh pianist, composer, and educator Christopher Williams (born 1972) maintains a versatile career as a soloist, accompanist, and staff pianist at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Cardiff University. He serves as official pianist for both the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales. Mentored by Walter Ryan, Williams is a passionate advocate for overlooked repertoire, notably releasing three albums of world-premiere recordings by Semyon Barmotin. A highly sought-after chamber collaborator alongside prominent artists and his wife, oboist Catherine Tanner-Williams, his album of Brahms transcriptions earned album-of-the-week honors on NDR Kultur.