Beethoven and more 2011 podcast #20: Looking back, looking ahead
September 30, 2011
Franz Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 for orchestra, S 359/2 (orchestral version by Karl Müller-Berghaus)
Roma and Sinti Philharmonic
Conductor: Riccardo M. Sahiti
MP3 recorded in the Beethoven Hall, Bonn, on September 24, 2011 by West German Radio, Cologne (WDR)
Like another work on the program - Kodaly's "Dances from Galanta" - Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies delve into the roots of folk music traditions in the composer's home country. But also like Kodaly's Dances, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Rather than mimicking the gypsy music Liszt found in his journeys through Hungary, the composer lends his own musical brilliance and flair for showmanship to the indigenous themes he uncovered.
But the work remains a celebration of Roma heritage - a goal that the Roma and Sinti Philharmonic shares. That's one of two important aims of this group of musicians, said conductor and founder Riccardo Sahiti, who has appealed to contemporary composers to write works with the Philharmonic in mind.
"This orchestra was created for the sake of new works, so that tradition can go on. Hopefully in a century from now, we can say - now we have this symphony or that violin concerto because the Roma Philharmonic was there," Sahiti explained.
His pride in convening what he called the "first professional orchestra for Roma and Sahiti" was apparent throughout the evening as he beamed on stage - particularly during this piece, the program's show-stopping finale.
Author: Greg Wiser
Editor: Rick Fulker