Wagner transcriptions for piano are a rewarding genre. In the nineteenth century, this genre was born out of necessity. After all, transcriptions for piano and organ were an inexpensive way to make Wagner's demanding music accessible to a wide audience. Wagner was fortunate that the formidable Liszt was among his supporters. Both were wizards in their own fields: Wagner with the orchestra, Liszt
… from behind the grand piano. Many CDs of this type end with it, with Liszt's transcription of Isolde's Liebestod (finale of Tristan und Isolde). Impressive how Wagnerian ecstasy was translated here into Lisztian poetry. It is perhaps the most sensitive Wagner transcription for piano ever. The remaining operatic scenes were created by various arrangers, including Lugansky himself. Lugansky's preference is clearly for the older Wagner, post-Lohengrin. Lugansky's virtuosity produces spectacular moments, such as in the final scene of Götterdämmerung. (HJ)more
