Romance in E minor, S.169
Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude
Saint François de Paule marchant sur les flots, S.175
Consolation No. 1, S.172
Consolation No. 2, S.172
Consolation No. 3, S.172
Consolation No. 4, S.172
Consolation No. 5, S.172
Consolation No. 6, S.172
Liebesträume No. 3 In A-Flat, S.541
En Rêve, Nocturne, S.207
Schwanengesang No. 4, D. 957 - IV. Ständchen (Serenade)

This recording could very well be the perfectly curated CD with which to introduce newcomers to the piano music of Franz Liszt (1811-1886), whilst still meeting the demanding needs of well-seasoned collectors and audiophiles. Not everyone is into the flash and sparkle of Liszt's hyper-virtuosic piano pieces, but one and all admire his poetic, romantic, spiritual and visionary tone-painting artistry, all aspects of his music on full display in this well-rounded collection.

French composer and pianist Sandrine Erdely-Sayo, who I will be the first one to admit had completely flown under my radar up until now, performs these pieces not only with technical polish, but with full conviction and knowledge of the composer's mindset that lies behind the notes on the printed page. It's all fine and dandy to perform Liszt with affected expression and exaggerated mannerisms like most pianists tend to do, but to simply bring out the mind and soul within the music is actually more difficult, and Sandrine Erdely-Sayo pulls it off here effortlessly.

Another compelling point for the person contemplating the music of Liszt for the first time is that besides the Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude which is over 18 minutes long (but nonetheless one of this composer's most inspired, and harmonically and melodically beautiful pieces), deeply and perceptively expressed here by Sandrine Erdely-Sayo, most pieces fall between the 2 to 8 minute range in duration, just long enough to captivate your attention and short enough to prevent ear fatigue.

There are many, too many, fine Liszt recordings out there, some by stellar pianists, but as an introduction to his artistry this one couldn't be better. Even die-hard Liszt enthusiasts would enjoy Sandrine Erdely-Sayo's hitherto untapped musicianship. Highly recommended!