Landrum Presbyterian invites the public on a musical journey through Liszt’s compositional career.

It begins with Etudes, or studies, which were Liszt’s earliest interest in life – he began writing them as a child. His greatest etudes are the 12 Transcendental Etudes and six Paganini Etudes; the event will include a selection of both.

Paganini was one of the world’s greatest violinists, and is still a legend. He inspired Liszt to become one of the world’s greatest pianist, and these Etudes are based on Paganini’s music and also are a tribute to him.

Liszt was inspired to become one of the 19th century’s most influential and progressive composers. In the process he invented the Symphonic Poem, an orchestral work based on a story.

Landrum Presbyterian’s performance includes two of these works; pieces that Liszt wrote specifically for the piano, and which he based on religious subjects.

Liszt also wrote piano music in traditional forms, one of which will be played. Among Liszt’s many pioneering activities was the celebration of ethnic music – he wrote the first book on the music of the Gypsies. He transcribed five authentic Hungarian folk songs for piano and intended for the text to be read aloud.

No composer ever arranged so much music for the piano. Two song arrangements will be performed before the final tribute. Liszt was also prolific at creating original compositions based upon popular operas.

In the true Lisztian tradition, the program concludes with one of the most spectacular of his 65 operatic paraphrases, a composition written for two pianos.

Freeburg Pianos has made this possible by bringing in two grand pianos.

These pianos will be tuned to the Equal Beating Victorian Temperament. Through the music of Franz Liszt, Landrum Presbyterian will restore the “Lost Colors and Sounds of the Romantic Period” performed by Christopher Tavernier (13 years old) and Dr. John Cobb.

A few more program highlights will include:

1. The entire performance will be performed with two pianos.

2. There will be a multi-image show and a commentator as part of the performance.

3. This will be a true “Lisztian Event,” so attendees should bring their own jewelry.

The event will be held Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. at Landrum Presbyterian Church which is open to all at no charge.

The event is sponsored by the Mary Comerford Memorial Fund.

– article submitted