News
The Liszt Bicentennial Project / January – May 2012
Franz Liszt was one of the pivotal figures of the 19th century. His extraordinary range of accomplishments has never been fully understood or appreciated even up to the present day. The composer of over 1000 works in all genres, the originator of modern piano technique, the inventor of the solo piano recital, one of the principal contributors to modern conducting technique, he was the most audacious, innovative, original and radical composer of his day. His works, more than those of any other composer, lead directly into the 20th century. He is still considered the greatest pianist in history, performing more than 1000 concerts from one end of Europe to the other, from Portugal to Ireland, to Moscow, and as far afield as Constantinople. He was also an extraordinary human being, performing only for charity for the last 40 years of his life. He regularly used his immense fame and prestige to help less well-known composers and through his master classes taught hundreds of the next generation of young pianists for free.
In honor of Liszt’s legacy to the music world, Mark Salman will offer programs of works by Liszt as well as composers who influenced him or were influenced by him. In homage to Liszt’s efforts to disseminate music throughout Europe through his extensive concert tours, Mr. Salman will in particular seek to perform in small to medium sized cities where audiences rarely have the opportunity to hear the great solo piano repertoire in live recitals. To draw attention to Liszt’s own charitable work, each recital will be dedicated as a partial benefit to a local cause or charity. This season, Mr. Salman will kick off the project with five recitals in Seattle, as well as single recitals in a number of other cities.
YouTube Audio Recordings of Mark Salman
The Discography Page now contains links to YouTube audio tracks from Mark Salman's CDs. To hear them, click on any of the Listen links on the Discography Page.
There are also links to a future release recording of Mark playing Schubert's Sonata in C Minor, D. 958.
Beethoven and his 32 Piano Sonatas - A Musical Universe
A projected series of 16 DVDs in collaboration with the well-known author, pianist and broadcaster, David Dubal. Featuring commentary and analysis of each sonata, with musical demonstrations and Mark Salman’s performances of the complete work. David Dubal and Mark Salman’s discussion will highlight a different aspect of Beethoven’s life and music on each DVD.
Volumes I and II are currently available from Great Composers.