Jorge Bolet’s noble, somewhat restrained Liszt playing evokes a sound-world far removed from the pyrotechnicians who barnstorm their way through the etudes or opera transcriptions. Tempos, for instance, are never faster than Liszt’s eloquent melodies can be sung. Climaxes are coaxed from deep in the keys rather than pounded out. Every pianistic hurdle is shaped toward expressive ends, integrated into the totality of Liszt’s musical fabric. Behind Bolet’s unruffled surface, however, always lies quiet strength and firm yet flexible rhythm. The late Cuban-born virtuoso also could thunder when so inclined, as the live “Norma” fantasy bears out. This is a touching and illuminating overview of this seasoned artist’s extensive Liszt output for Decca. [10/6/1999]
