György Cziffra (piano)
Live in Concert
rec. 1960-62
Solstice SOCD411-12 [2 CDs: 144]

György Cziffra (1921-1994) hailed from Budapest, Hungary. In the post-war years he was famed as a virtuoso of formidable technical prowess, as well as a deft improviser. His repertoire centred on Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann. Watching his sister practice the piano when he was a child set the wheels in motion. In 1930 he entered the Franz Liszt Academy and became a pupil of Ernő Dohnányi. In 1941 he was conscripted into the Hungarian Army. His unit was sent to the Russian front. He was captured by the Soviets and held as a prisoner of war. After the war he worked as a jazz pianist in Budapest’s bars and clubs, where he gained something of a reputation as a superb jazz pianist and virtuoso. He spent another period of incarceration between 1950-1953 after attempting to escape communist Hungary. He suffered serious injuries to his hands, but a subsequent period of rehabilitation enabled him to recover his technique. In 1956 he escaped with his wife and son to Vienna. He later settled in France, where he took French citizenship. His son was a conductor, and both collaborated together on many occasions, but his son’s premature death in 1981 in a fire adversely affected Cziffra. György died in Longpont-sur-Orge, Essonne, France, aged 72, from a heart attack.

This 2 CD set features previously unissued live recordings. It focuses on composers all central to the pianist’s repertoire. The recordings date between 1960 and 1962.

Two popular warhorses grace CD 1, both performed at a concert on 9 January 1962 at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Cziffra is partnered in the Grieg and Tchaikovsky First Concertos by L’Orchestre Philharmonique de la RTF under the baton of Georges Tzipine. The Grieg is the better of the two. It’s a terrific performance. The first movement will keep you on the edge of your seat, such is the excitement and volatility of the playing. This begins with a powerful opening flourish. The slow movement is beautifully realised and is never over-sentimentalized. The finale is nothing short of exultant. The rapturous applause of the audience at the conclusion says it all. The Tchaikovsky is not my particular cup of tea; I find it rather hackneyed. Nevertheless, Cziffra delivers a perfectly serviceable account. The audience seemed to like it very much judging by their wild, vociferous applause. Georges Tzipine is excellent and supportive throughout both works and finds particularly sensitivity in the slow movements.

There are two works with orchestra on CD 2, both by Liszt, a composer Cziffra excelled in. The Piano Concerto No. 1 dates from January 1960 with Paul Kletzki directing L’Orchestre National de l’Opéra de Monte-Carlo. All the vital ingredients are present, fire, excitement and poetry. Whilst brilliant technique can be taken as read, it’s in the more lyrical moments that the pianist comes into his own in shaping and contouring a phrase and making the piano sing. The Totentanz from 20 September 1962 is no less impressive, and one never feels short-changed in terms of diablerie. The Orchestre National de la RTF under Roberto Benzi provide admirable support. It’s no wonder the audience go wild at the end.

There are several solo piano works included. Listz’s Transcendental Étude No. 10 in F minor “Appassionata” is charged with flair, fantasy, excitement and imagination, with the big tune positively soaring. Cziffra’s Chopin Fantasie is compelling in the way he traverses the changing moods of the evolving narrative with a formidable virtuosity and intellectual vigour. The Lento sostenuto section is imbued with poetic sensibility, and the chordal sections are immaculately voiced. Schumann’s Toccata is spectacularly realised, emblazoned with dazzling fireworks and unbounded energy.

The Cziffra discography is substantial by any standards, and these live recordings make a very welcome addition. All the recordings sound in good shape, and the booklet, in French and English, is bolstered by some very well-produced black and white photographs. Cziffra devotees, especially, will certainly want this.

Stephen Greenbank

Previous review: Jonathan Woolf (November 2024)

See also Cannons and Flowers: the memoirs of György Cziffra

Contents
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 (1868)
Orchestre Philharmonique de la RTF/Georges Tzipine
rec.19 January 1962, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Études d’exécution transcendante, S. 139 No. 10 in F Minor, “Appassionata” (1851)
rec. 11 May 1961, Bordeaux, Festival du Mai Musical
Piano concerto No.1 in E flat major, S.124 (1849/1856)
Orchestre National de l’Opéra de Monte-Carlo/Paul Kletzki
rec. 26 January 1960
Valse-Impromptu, S.213 (1842–52)
rec.19 June 1960, Festival de Strasbourg, Palais des Fêtes
Totentanz, S.126 (1839-49)
Orchestre National de la RTF/Roberto Benzi
rec.20 September 1962, Festival Musical de Montreux-Vevey
Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 (1875)
Orchestre Philharmonique de la RTF/Georges Tzipine
rec.19 January 1962, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Sonata in D major, K96 ‘La Chasse’
rec.19 June 1960, Festival de Strasbourg, Palais des Fêtes
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54 (1804)
rec.19 June 1960, Festival de Strasbourg, Palais des Fêtes
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Fantaisie in F minor, Op 49 (1841)
rec. 16 September 1960, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Toccata, Op.7 (1829-32)
rec. 29 January 1960, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées