Founded in 1964 Volume 33, Number 2

2018 American Liszt Society Festival TABLE OF CONTENTS at Furman University, October 11 - 13

1 ALS Festival at Furman University Please join us for the 2018 American Liszt Society Festival and Conference. The Festival will take place October 11 - 13 on the campus of Furman University, Greenville, 2 President’s Message SC. The theme of this Festival is “The Poetic Liszt.” The Festival will focus on the exploration of the many aspects of poetry in ’s life and works. His enthusiasm for literature and poetry is openly reflected in the mottos and quotes Liszt 3 Letter from the Editor put in front of numerous works. But this is not where the affiliations end, and we can assume deeper connections between the art forms of literature and music, as represented 4 Los Angeles International Liszt by this erudite, cosmopolitan composer. These connections will function as a point Competition 2018, by Éva Polgár of departure from whence the Festival seeks to shed light on the many guises in which Liszt’s sensitivity to the written word appeared in his compositions. Membership Updates Highlights will include (subject to change): 5 My Ten Favorite Recordings of Liszt's Music, by TedJ Distler • Epic tales • The complete early Album d’un voyageur To the Memory of a Giant • A special lecture on Chopin by Alan Walker • The Petrarch Sonnets (with and without words) 6 Resurrecting Liszt’s , by • The rarely heard Melodramas David Trippett • Liszt organ encounters • And a lot more! In Memoriam: Reginald Gerig We are fortunate that “Fall for Greenville” weekend, a downtown food and music 7 Member News festival, will be happening the same weekend as the 2018 ALS Festival. One of the conference hotels will be downtown by Falls Park, so stick around after the Saturday 9 Chapter News banquet and enjoy “Fall for Greenville hospitality,” the website of which is https://www. fallforgreenville.net/. 12 Picture Page In the meantime, if you come early, you can visit the newly-opened Carolina Music Museum, with its over 40 English, European, and American and harpsichords dating from 1570 to 1845. Lots to see here, so visit the website at https:// carolinamusicmuseum.org/ for more information. The American Liszt Society 2018 Festival website will be active by May 1 (http:// www2.furman.edu/academics/music/precollegeandadultprograms/liszt2018/Pages/default.aspx). There you will be able to find registration, hotel, and meal information. Come early – stay late! We’ll see you in October! Sincerely, Derek Parsons, 2018 Festival Chair [email protected]

Perpetuating the ideas of Franz Liszt through excellence in music performance and scholarship PRESIDENT President’s Message Jay Hershberger* Concordia College Music Department Moorhead, MN 56562 [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT Alexandre Dossin* University of Oregon School of Music and Dance Eugene, OR 97403-1225 Greetings, Fellow Lisztians! [email protected]

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Franz Liszt was THE central musical figure in 19th-century Europe. That is a bold assertion, and Justin Kolb* certainly arguable, especially with those who still react negatively to his music. But I think evidence 1136 Hog Mountain Road can be brought to bear that demonstrates such a presumptuous assertion is not only plausible but Fleischmanns, NY 12430 has substantial merit. The following observations about Liszt’s life and work suggest the importance [email protected] of his influence in the 19th century. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Liszt interacted with most of the important musical, literary, cultural, and political figures of the Alexander Djordjevic* period. He traveled and performed throughout Europe more than any other musician. He was a PO Box 1020 pianist, composer, teacher, conductor, editor, and impresario. His letter writing was prolific, and he Wheaton, IL 60187-1020 corresponded with famous figures up and down the corridors of European culture. He was a man [email protected] of letters, even writing theological treatises in defense of his Catholic faith. As a boy, he met the TREASURER older Beethoven, and as an elder cultural statesman, he met the young Debussy. His compositions Daniel Paul Horn* were innovative and even what we might call cutting edge for the time, and they influenced the The American Liszt Society direction of other composers including (and preeminently) Wagner, as well as Anton Bruckner, Max PO Box 1020 Reger, and others. His music presaged the music of Ravel, and the music of his old age heralded the Wheaton, IL 60187-1020 [email protected] dissolution of tonality. No other 19th-century European composer did more to advocate for the music of other ALS JOURNAL living composers at the time, regardless of genre, than Franz Liszt. His arsenal of transcriptions, Jonathan Kregor, Editor paraphrases, and reminiscences eclipse the rest of his musical peers. His reach into the 20th century Mary Emery Hall Room 4240 and even today through teaching an entire generation of European and American piano virtuosi Cincinnati College-Conservatory PO Box 210003 continues to influence the direction and scope of modern piano instruction. Many members of Cincinnati OH 45221-0003 The American Liszt Society can trace their piano pedigree back directly to Liszt, whose “musical [email protected] grandfather” was Beethoven himself. He pioneered the solo piano recital and the modern master class. His philanthropic endeavors on behalf of orphans, asylums, flood victims, music schools, ALS NEWSLETTER/WEBSITE composer monuments and festivals, and other worthy causes were generous even by today’s Edward Rath, Editor/Webmaster* 2603 Coppertree Road standards. As Dr. Alan Walker has observed (FL, Vol II, pg. 4), “A river of gold had poured in, Champaign, IL 61822-7518 but a river of gold had also flowed forth.” Perhaps most importantly, Liszt’s cross-fertilization [email protected] with other categories of artistic expression brought together music, word, art, and theatre as unified and complementary. His pioneering efforts to this end had a deep influence on composers such BOARD OF DIRECTORS as Wagner, whose own success blossomed in no small part thanks to Liszt’s selfless generosity and Paul Barnes Luiz de Moura Castro advocacy of his future son-in-law’s music. As you can see, the evidence reasonably establishes Alexander Djordjevic* Liszt’s place at the head of the pantheon of giants that sprang forth from the musical Olympus of Gabriel Dobner 19th-century Europe. Alexandre Dossin* Which brings me to the fall 2018 Festival of The American Liszt Society at Furman University Gila Goldstein in Greenville, SC. “Liszt and Poetic Imagination” promises to bring together Olympian words and Jay Hershberger* Daniel Paul Horn* music for our edification, enlightenment, and enjoyment. Festival director Derek Parsons has put Geraldine Keeling together three days of sumptuous Lisztian repast for our ears. The Festival will begin and end with Jonathan Kregor complete performances of both Book I of Liszt’s pioneering collection, Album d’un Voyageur, and its Barbara Mellon Kolb mature revision, the Années de pèlerinage: Suisse. The featured guest artist for the festival is Volodymyr Justin Kolb* Vynnytsky, who will treat us to the music of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. Dr. Walker will Elyse J. Mach Ksenia Nosikova provide a fresh view of “Chopin: The Raphael of the Piano,” drawn from his forthcoming biography Edward Rath* on Liszt’s one-time comrade in musical arms. We will hear side by side six of Chopin’s original Steven Spooner Polish songs for voice and piano with Liszt’s transcriptions of these Chants Polonais, as well as the Helen Smith Tarchalski original vocal Petrarch Sonnets and their later solo piano versions. Following after Liszt’s advocacy Alan Walker for new music, we will hear the complete cycle of 12 Etudes by Maurice Ohana. The Furman William Wellborn Richard Zimdars Orchestra and Singers are on the docket for a fine evening of orchestral and choral repertoire. We will also enjoy hearing three of Liszt’s recitations for narrator and piano. As well, there will be other *Member, Executive Committee lectures, performances, and even a viewing of the documentary Leopold Godowsky: the Buddha of the Piano, which has received high praise from pianists such as Marc-André Hamelin, Gary Graffman, www.americanlisztsociety.net and Byron Janis. And, following our long-standing tradition, we will all enjoy a final evening banquet at which to revel in our time together as Lisztians, friends, and colleagues. Registration will begin on line in May (see details in this newsletter), so stay tuned, and I look forward to seeing each of you there! Excelsior! Jay Hershberger, President

2 The American Liszt Society - www.americanlisztsociety.net Letter from the Editor

Hello, Dear Friends of Liszt! In fall 2017, my wife and I had both the privilege and pleasure of spending a bit more than a month in Vienna, that capital that has witnessed so much culture and so many musical events and personalities. While my work over the years with the Classical Music Festival had many times taken me to this wonderful city, it was never possible to spend more than a few days here and there. But for a 50th wedding anniversary present to ourselves, we chose to settle in Vienna for a while, and it was well worth all the planning involved! There were many concerts, , church services, museum visits, and opportunities to see old friends. But three events were particularly interesting. The first two involved the reopening of the Beethoven Museum in Heiligenstadt, in earlier times a Heilbad or spa town where Beethoven spent some meaningful time in terms of his personal life as well his musical creativity. Those of you who have visited this site in earlier times will recall it being interesting and inspiring (to an extent), but not in the best shape. I hasten to assure you that the refurbishment and rearrangement of the rooms, modernized displays, and vastly improved lighting make this venue a “must see” (https://www.wienmuseum.at/de/ standorte/beethoven-museum.html). My colleague and friend, the Beethoven scholar William Kinderman, kindly assisted in securing an invitation for us to attend the opening ceremonies, where Kinderman lectured and performed Beethoven’s Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 (“The Tempest”), which had taken shape in the very house where we sat. (Bill also performed two draft versions of the sonata’s first movement.) Matti Bunzl, Director of the Vienna Museum and a moving force behind the renovation, greeted guests and dignitaries. A few nights later, we returned for a concert in which Klaus Sticken of the Musik- und Kunstuniversität of the City of Vienna performed Beethoven’s Variations and Fugue in E-flat Major, Op 35 (“Eroica”), and Kinderman joined three outstanding string players in a performance of Beethoven’s Quartet for Piano and Strings, Op. 16 (originally for piano and winds). Cordiality, musical enjoyment, and plenty of Glühwein, a typical Austrian treat available during the fall and winter months, warmed the chilly fall air in the courtyard. The event also provided us with the opportunity to renew our acquaintance with Maestro Martin Haselböck, whom we had first met in the 1970s when he came to the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt and led tours of historical organs both in the City of The American Liszt Society Joseph Haydn and well as historic churches in Vienna and its environs. I was particularly PRESIDENT interested to hear of his devotion to Franz Liszt and his ideas concerning musical Jay Hershberger relationships between Beethoven and Liszt, about which I hope there will be more in [email protected] future issues. NEWSLETTER EDITOR The third event was a concert featuring pianist Martha Argerich playing the Liszt Edward Rath Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, with Daniel Barenboim conducting the famed Vienna 2603 Coppertree Road Philharmonic Orchestra in the well-known Goldener Saal of the Musikverein. Readers Champaign, IL 61822-7518 may remember mention of these two outstanding musicians and their performance of [email protected] the same work in Israel, thanks to the reporting of Gila Goldstein in the last issue of Submit change of address information to: the ALS Newsletter. What a surprise to be able to hear the same duo in an exhilarating MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY presentation of this fine work, followed by a short encore performance of a four-hand Alexander Djordjevic piano work by Bizet - the audience loved it. After intermission, Barenboim led the PO Box 1020 Wheaton, IL 60187-1020 orchestra in what might be the most musically transcendent experience I’ve had in recent [email protected] years - the Mahler Symphony No. 7. At the conclusion of the performance (more than 75 minutes in duration!), the audience went wild. Clapping was incessant for the many bows taken by Barenboim, various principal soloists, sections of the orchestra - but the audience Layout: Lawrence Keach and Edward Rath would not stop. Even when most of the orchestra had left the stage, the clapping went Printed by Insty-Prints of Champaign, IL on, until Barenboim came back, alone but for a few orchestra members putting their This newsletter is published twice annually, with a circulation of approximately 400 per issue. instruments away, to a renewed ovation that is as vivid today as it was nearly five months An official publication of the The American Liszt Society, Inc. ago. (concluded on next page) ©2018 ALS, all rights reserved.

Volume 33, Number 2 3 Los Angeles Competition Gears Up Letter from the for November 2018 by Éva Polgár Editor (continued) The fifteenth biennial Los Angeles Adjudicators for the Voice include I would be remiss were I not to International Liszt Competition (LAILC) Gabriel Dobner and Kevin McMillan, mention that we were humbled when for Piano and Voice will take place both of James Madison University of seeing a bust of Franz Liszt in a hallway November 17 - 18, 2018. Azusa Pacific Virginia. niche at the Musikverein. In 1838, the University in Azusa, CA and Trinity Geraldine Keeling founded the Los year in which Liszt gave eight concerts United Methodist Church in Pomona, CA Angeles International Liszt Competition in Vienna for the benefit of the victims will host the competition. in 1990, and the event was co-directed of the Danube floods in Hungary, Liszt Many organizations promote and with Judith Neslény until 2017. The became an honorary member of the co-sponsor the competition, including current year marks a change of co- Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. This Society The American Liszt Society (ALS), the directors. Co-director Katherine of the Friends of Music eventually found Southern California Chapter of ALS, Hickey is Professor of Music and Liberal its permanent home in the Musikverein Pasadena Branch of the Music Teachers’ Studies Director at the School of Music at building in 1870. Liszt conducted a Association of California, California the University of Redlands in California. concert of his works in the Musikverein Federation of Music Clubs, Steinway Katherine also teaches at Azusa Pacific in 1881. Pianos, Azusa Pacific University, and University and is past President and While we were not able to visit Trinity United Methodist Church. Treasurer of the national Organization of Raiding or Budapest to make this trip Principal patron of the 2018 competition American Kodály Educators. Co-director more of a Liszt excursion, we did hear a is Dr. András Batta, former President of Éva Polgár earned her doctoral degree lovely organ concert in the Peterskirche, the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. in piano performance at the University featuring a graduate of the Franz Liszt Since 1990 this competition has of North Texas, where she currently Academy. exclusively presented the music of Liszt. holds a teaching fellowship. In 2012 It was great to be back in this city Each competition welcomes more than Éva won both the Budapest Concert where Liszt started his formal studies with 200 contestants in ten divisions: five and the Concerto Divisions in the Los Czerny and later returned to great acclaim different Age Divisions, Longer Works, Angeles International Liszt Competition, as a world-renowned virtuoso, composer, Concerto, Voice, New York Concert where she was also the recipient of and conductor. (Voice), and Budapest Concert (Piano). The American Liszt Society Award. ED Contestants range in age from 12 years Performances in the United States include and under through 35 years and represent ALS Festivals in Virginia in 2014 and countries all around the world. The Texas in 2015. Membership competition awards prizes in all divisions. Kathy and Éva are working hard Grand Prize winners in piano and voice to ensure the successful continuation Updates are awarded an all-expense paid trip to of this competition. In addition to make debut concerts in New York City, the hundreds of hours of work, each NEW MEMBERS Washington, D.C., London, and Budapest competition requires about $50,000 in Derek Parsons at the Liszt Memorial Museum. order to fund the awards and concerts. Cameron Berta Representing nine states and three Your tax-deductible donations are greatly Yin Zhang countries, the 2018 jury includes 14 appreciated. Please make your check Heidi Louise Williams performers and scholars who specialize payable to Los Angeles International Joseph Kingma in Liszt. Many of the jury members Liszt Competition and send to LAILC, Inception Tech Inc are also members of The American c/o Katherine Hickey, 38600 Pine Drive, Liszt Society. We are grateful to Cherry Valley, CA 92223. EXISTING MEMBERS TO LIFE them for their contribution to help Please encourage talented young MEMBERS promote the music of Franz Liszt at Liszt pianists and vocalists to enter Gabriel Dobner LAILC. Adjudicators for this year’s the 2018 competition. Deadline for Tibor Szász Piano Divisions include Alexandre this year’s competition is October 1, Dossin, University of Oregon; Matthew 2018. Complete information and the For the time being, the Newsletter will Gianforte, Murray State University; registration form is available on the publish only the names of members, James Giles, Northwestern University; website: www.lalisztcompetition.com. You pending a review of issues pertaining to Gila Goldstein, Boston University and can also contact either of the following: members’ privacy. BU Tanglewood Institute; Ádám György, Concert Pianist, New York City; Caroline Katherine Hickey Is Your Address Current??? Hong, The Ohio State University; Jay (951) 454-8205 Mauchley, University of Idaho; Sandy [email protected] Please be sure to keep your address and Mauchley, University of Idaho; Károly other contact information up to date Mocsári, Artistic Advisor, French Liszt Éva Polgár with the ALS office!! Send an email Society; Meeyoun Park, Murray State (940) 465-9069 to Alexander Djordjevic, Membership University; Edward Rath, University of [email protected] Secretary, at [email protected] if you Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and Alan need to provide current information. Walker, McMaster University. (Editor’s Note: See related story on page 7.) Thanks!!

4 The American Liszt Society - www.americanlisztsociety.net My Ten Favorite Recordings of Liszt’s Piano Music by TedJ Distler I’m not a Liszt scholar, nor a Liszt Benno Moiseiwitsch: “La Leggerezza” brisk yet not breakneck, and Nojima’s expert. But I’m a Liszt fan. My first (HMV, 1941). What effortless technique, remarkable technical finesse seems to Liszt memory dates back to early what a gorgeous sonority, what supple bypass the piano. childhood when my mother brought phrasing with long lines that curve home the 16-year-old André Watts’ debut over and around the bar lines, what Sviatoslav Richter, Kiril Kondrashin/ recording of the First Concerto with feathery yet pointed articulation, what London Symphony Orchestra: Piano and the New York unerring pacing! And in place of Liszt’s Concerto No. 1 (Philips, 1961). Richter’s Philharmonic, coupled with Les Préludes. understated ending, Moiseiwitsch opts prismatic sound, controlled ferocity I liked the music, but, then again, I liked instead for the frothy cadenza composed and ability to dazzle without showing a lot of different music. Everything by his teacher, Theodor Leschetizky. off is thoroughly complemented by the changed when I began composition exactitude, chamber-like interaction and studies with Lawrence Widdoes at the Arthur Rubinstein: Hungarian Rhapsody stinging transparency of Kondrashin’s Juilliard Pre-College. Larry loved to No. 10 (HMV, 1937). Arthur Rubinstein orchestral framework. noodle around at the piano, and he would may not have been an all-out Lisztian, go through Liszt scores, muttering to yet he truly inhabits the Tenth Rhapsody Ernst Levy: Ballade No. 2 (Marston, himself about the amazing harmonic with palpable joie-de-vivre and panache. He 1959). It’s not note-perfect, and the ideas. These sessions opened my eyes shapes the glissandi to perfection, with a sonics are spotty, but the music’s and ears to just how important Liszt was, sense of timing very much akin to Jack narrative expanse and extreme emotional and the breathtaking fusion of musicality Benny’s inimitable pauses between lines. states rarely have sounded so alive and yet and physicality governing the composer’s so unsettling. There’s nothing remotely keyboard aesthetic. Earl Wild: Réminiscences de Robert le complacent nor generic about this During my college years, I got way Diable - “Valse infernale.” (Vanguard, galvanic live performance. deeper into Liszt, hearing such exponents 1968). It’s hard to believe that no one as , Claudio Arrau, had recorded this amazingly resourceful Earl Wild, Shura Cherkassky, Raymond paraphrase before Earl Wild set down Lewenthal, and Jorge Bolet in concert. A this irrepressible and joyous performance. lecture by Harold C. Schonberg turned Every bar conveys Wild’s ability to create me on to great Liszt pupils on disc, plus character and transcend the music’s classic recordings by other Romantic- myriad difficulties. era practitioners. I met a budding piano scholar named Allan Evans, and we Claudio Arrau: “Vallée d’Obermann” became fast friends, sharing an apartment (Philips, 1969). Arrau’s meditative yet during my first years in New York. My full-bodied unfolding of the long opening bulky reel-to-reel tape deck worked section is deep and moody because it overtime as I fanatically copied Allan’s takes Liszt’s dynamics, phrasings and Composer/pianist, writer, and radio 78s and rare LPs. tempo markings on faith. The rhetorical host Jed Distler wants it to be known By the time I started to write CD octave outbursts and final peroration that “he turned down the position of reviews and booklet notes in the early build organically and inevitably. This music department chairman at Trump 1990s, I had absorbed much of Liszt’s performance is sincere, committed, and University.” His radio show, “Between vast output and had a fairly good working egoless virtuosity. the Keys,” won the 2017 ASCAP Deems knowledge of the Liszt discography. Taylor/Virgil Thomson Award for In 2015 a long desired wish came true Iren Marek: “Bénédiction de Dieu dans excellence in broadcasting. when I became artist-in-residence at le solitude” (Draco, 1956 – reissued by The Classical Network WWFM (wwfm. Arbiter). Marek was a Hungarian pianist ▬ org), and launched a weekly radio show who defected to the United States in To the Memory of a Giant called “Between the Keys.” Naturally, 1946 and eventually settled in the desert Liszt figures into my programming, and community of Independence, California. Here are three YouTube performances I’ve presented several all-Liszt shows Her profound affinity for this work is of Liszt songs performed in 2015 by the showcasing a wide range of recorded manifest in the subtle, multi-leveled and late Dmitri Hvorostovsky (1962 - 2017). interpretations. gently animated repartee she achieves “What a tragic, premature loss for all Recently I was asked to name the ten between melody and accompaniment as music lovers.” (Gila Golstein) best Liszt piano recordings. That’s an if a great singer and great orchestra were Benedetto sia ’giorno - https://www.youtube. impossible task because the present and collaborating. com/watch?v=B-5JfHDfaEM past catalogs are filled to the brim with great performances. Instead, I decided to Minoru Nojima: “Feux Follets” Pace non trovo - https://www.youtube.com/ offer ten Liszt recordings that have given (Reference Recordings, 1988). The watch?v=nARWp4fNttc me continuous pleasure over the years, notorious double notes shimmer with a and from which I discover new details lightness and melodic trajectory that both I’ vidi in terra - https://www.youtube.com/ and new insights each time I hear them. scintillates and sings. The performance is watch?v=FHmTvoaDR04

Volume 33, Number 2 5 Resurrecting Liszt’s Sardanapalo by Dr. David Trippett, University of Cambridge

Work on bringing Liszt’s incomplete unique to the source. This will all be set , and the philosophy , Sardanapalo, back into the world out in the edition. of technology. Other interests include is ongoing. As many reading this will One of the major tasks completed Franz Liszt and post-Classical , know, Peter Raabe cataloged Liszt’s last month was the orchestration performance theory and the grey area manuscript book N4 in the Goethe - und of the first act i.e.( , the material that between improvisation and composition, Schiller - Archiv in 1910 - 11, and a few survives). We know from Joachim Raff’s as well as posthumanism and musical scholars in the 20th century studied the correspondence in December 1851 that creativity in the digital age. Major prizes material pertaining to his opera. Many Liszt was going to hand this work to for research include the Lewis Lockwood commentators have asked me what it him in the near future, for provisional Award and the Alfred Einstein Award was like to look at the music for the first orchestration. It is similar in this of the American Musicological Society; time. This question is perhaps a little respect to the N5 manuscript (for Tasso), the Bruno Nettl Prize of the Society for misleading in that I was certainly not the wherein Liszt wrote many instrumental Ethnomusicology; the Donald Tovey first scholar to look at Liszt’s pen strokes. cues and specified certain orchestral Memorial Prize of the University of But I believe I may have been the first textures, in this case, to help August Oxford; and a Deems Taylor Award of to work out that this was a continuous, Conradi in his provisional orchestration the American Society for Composers, decipherable draft - a draft of the full first of that symphonic poem. Sometimes Authors, and Publishers. When time act, as it later turned out. the evidence left in the score was not permits, he is active as a collaborative Elsewhere I’ve written that this explicit. As I’ve written elsewhere, the pianist, having performed in Germany, realization was electric - indeed it was. vocal parts are complete and fully written Italy, the UK, and on both coasts of the Archives are necessarily quiet places, out. In the very few places where the US. but hearing the music in my head, while formulaic accompaniment pattern is not (Editor’s Note: A version of this text first appeared in the wondering if any others had experienced entirely written out by Liszt, and needs March Newsletter of the London Liszt Society. Printed here with the kind permission of the author and Stephen such music in this way since Liszt’s an editor to realize it, I became aware White, Editor.) drafting, made the outside silence burn that apparently redundant accidentals in the atmosphere. On later reflection, this the voice part actually betray unwritten moment also brought obligations. It’s harmonies in the accompaniment, a little like witnessing a crime: you have harmonies that were evidently in Liszt’s an obligation to report what you have mind. Why else would he take the trouble In Memoriam witnessed. When I looked through the to write out a redundant accidental? This manuscript and began to realize that it discovery has been particularly helpful was a continuous draft, I became aware in determining when to use chromatic that there was an ethical obligation to chords as opposed to diatonic chords. make this music known to the world. It feels a little like stepping into Raff’s Of course, a common practice among shoes avant la lettre! Though of course, for editors is to compare multiple sources him, any moments of ambiguity could be -autograph drafts, revisions, fair copies, resolved by walking into Liszt’s study and Stichvorlagen, first editions, annotated asking the question. Here in 2018, it’s a editions - and to devise a critical different matter, and we have to rely on apparatus for making decisions about our critical apparatus to maximize what Reginald Gerig, 1919 - 2018 which sources to privilege, where, and musical material we can deduce from the under what circumstances. An editor’s available evidence. Reginald Gerig passed away early judgment is central to this process, I hope it won’t be too long before the Thursday morning, January 11, 2018, and within Liszt studies, editors are fruits of this work can be shared with you at Windsor Park Manor, a retirement frequently faced with what we might all. community in Carol Stream, Illinois call overdetermined works, works that where he had been living for some time. exist in multiple versions, and for which Born at Fort Wayne, Indiana on April an abundant quantity of relevant source 20, 1919, “Reg” graduated from the material exists. Wheaton College Conservatory of Music The case of Sardanapalo inverts in 1942, after which he was stationed at this situation in that it offers an Guantanamo Bay while serving in the underdetermination of materials - the Navy during World War II. He studied opera draft is formally incomplete, and at The with Sascha the only source for the music and libretto Gorodnitzki and Carl Friedberg, and is a unicum, a single source, and so taught briefly at Eastman’s community cannot be compared or corroborated with music school before returning to any other sources. This circumstance Wheaton as professor of piano in 1953. has meant the critical apparatus for David Trippett is a musicologist and While teaching at Wheaton, he also our edition with EMB needed to be cultural historian. His research focuses served as organist of the College Church constructed around critical principles on nineteenth-century intellectual history, in Wheaton; the grand pipe organ in the (continued on page 11)

6 The American Liszt Society - www.americanlisztsociety.net Member News

Francis Brancaleone is the author of Mark Radice’s discussion of Chou Wen- in São Paulo, in addition to solo the essay entitled, “Wagnerian Influence chung’s experience on the faculty from recitals in Seattle, Chicago, New and Motives in the Works of Edward the 1960s through the 1990s. After Britain (Connecticut), St. Louis, and in MacDowell,” which appears in Very MacDowell’s death at the age of forty- Wisconsin, all of which included Liszt’s Good for an American: Essays on Edward seven, his widow Marian developed their Sonata in B minor and the Gounod-Liszt MacDowell. The book, which is printed Peterborough, NH, farm into an artists’ Valse de Faust. He will also perform by Pandragon Press, is edited by ALS colony that is still prominent today. a recital for the Chicago/Midwest member E. Douglas Bomberger and Robin Rausch’s essay, richly illustrated Chapter of The American Liszt Society carries a publication date of July 15, 2017. with photos from the Library of on Wednesday, May 2, 2017 at the Brancaleone is Professor Emeritus at Congress, shows how she gained support PianoForte Foundation Studios in Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. for her efforts through summer pageants. Chicago. From the Description Table of “From the back cover ‘. . . this book Contents Authors, we learn that “This adds new depth to our understanding of collection of essays explores topics of this complex and influential composer. Madeleine Forte was the pianist relevance to understanding Edward Richly illustrated with rare photographs in Beethoven’s “Archduke” Trio in a MacDowell (1860 - 1908) and his and copious musical examples, the concert of the Lillibridge Ensemble music. At the height of his career, collection draws on scholars from three at the Cultural Arts Center in New MacDowell was widely recognized as continents in a collaborative effort to Haven, Connecticut on February 25. America’s leading composer. He had shed light on the enigmatic composer of She and some of her many outstanding come of age during an era when the the perennial favorite ‘To a Wild Rose.’” pupils from Poland, Hungary, Ohio, (244 pp. 22 illustrations, ISBN: 978-1-57647- infrastructure of concert music in the 305-4, Boydell & Brewer. Reprinted by permission of Michigan, and will perform United States was expanding rapidly, as Pendragon Press.) solos, duets, and chamber music at the outlined in Javier Albo’s description of International Piano Festival in fall 2018 historical concerts in New York during at Yale University, a memorial for her his childhood. MacDowell came from Following on the success of his eight- late husband, Professor Allen Forte. On an unusual background that resulted concert series dedicated to the chamber September 23 she will perform with cellist from the interaction between his father’s music of Johannes Brahms, Alexandre Mariusz Skula in a concert featuring the Quaker roots, described in Douglas Dossin received numerous requests for Chopin’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Bomberger’s essay, and his mother’s a new performance project. The result is minor, Op. 65, and Beethoven’s Sonata for ambitious goals. He benefited from “In Beall with Poulenc” on the University Cello and Piano in A Major, Op. 69. the early advocacy of his mother’s best of Oregon campus, two concerts that friend, the Venezuelan pianist Teresa explore the complete chamber music Carreño, whose support of MacDowell with piano by (1899 Gerry Keeling tells us that the Los is explored in Laura Pita’s essay. - 1963). The concerts involve several Angeles International Liszt Competition [MacDowell] studied for two years in and of Alexandre’s colleagues: Molly Barth celebrated Liszt’s birthday on October then spent a decade in Germany, studying with (flute), Melissa Peña (oboe), Steve Vacchi 22. “We presented five of our winners at Liszt’s pupil Raff and establishing his career. (bassoon), Wonkak Kim (clarinet), Lydia the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA. The crucial influences of Wagner and Liszt on Van Dreel (horn), Fritz Gearhart (), (We have been so fortunate to have that MacDowell’s style are explored in essays by Steven Pologe (cello), Leslie Straka venue for many years.) Four pianists and Francis Brancaleone and John Graziano (ALS (viola), Arnaud Ghillebaert (violin), and one vocalist (plus her pianist) performed a Editor’s emphasis). [MacDowell] lived in Craig Phillips (baritone). Included in the wonderful program: Concert Paraphrase on Boston from 1888 to 1896, during which first program were the flute and oboe Verdi’s “Rigoletto”; “Transcendental Etude time he was in close contact with George sonatas; Élégie for horn and piano; Trio for No. 12”; Ballade No. 2; O lieb so lang du Whitefield Chadwick, an American oboe, bassoon, and piano; and the Sextet lieben kannst and Pace non trovo; and Mephisto contemporary whose career as an organist for woodwinds and piano. The second Waltz No. 1. An audience of about 200 is examined in an essay by Marianne concert is slated for fall 2018 and will gave a standing ovation.” Betz. MacDowell’s growing body of include the Clarinet Sonata and Rapsodie works for piano and orchestra earned nègre for flute, clarinet, string quartet, him the reputation of America’s most baritone, and piano. Proceeds from the Gila Goldstein, piano faculty member important young composer, which led concerts will go toward a newly-created at the Boston University School of to his appointment as the first professor scholarship fund. Music, became Chair of the BU piano of music at Columbia University in Alex has also been performing quite department in September 2017. She 1896. His contributions as a teacher a lot recently, including the MacDowell is also the new director of the Young were ended after eight years by a public Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Wisconsin Artists Piano Program at BUTI (Boston dispute with President Nicholas Murray Chamber Orchestra (see review at https:// University Tanglewood Institute). Butler, explored in Michael Joiner’s essay. isthmus.com/music/ wisconsin-chamber-bach- Gila writes that Martha Argerich Columbia continued to feel the tension alexandre-dossin/ ), the Bartók Sonata performed at Boston Symphony Hall on of the issues raised by MacDowell and for Two Pianos and Percussion during the October 22 after years of absence. Her Butler for generations, as demonstrated in Oregon Music Festival in Portland, most recent “sensational performance” Leonard Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety was of the ProkofievPiano Concerto No. 3, Op. 26, with the Italian Santa Cecilia

Volume 33, Number 2 7 Member News

Orchestra of Rome under Anthony other venues, followed by master classes. the John Perry Music Academy at Papano. Gila invited Ms. Argerich to Rachmanov’s 2018 calendar year CSUN (https://www.johnperryacademy. come to Boston University and listen started on January 3 - 4 with video org), International Keyboard Institute to 11 selected students from all piano recording sessions at New York’s and Festival at Hunter College, New studios. “Luckily, Martha had a free day DiMenna Center for Classical Music, and York (http://www.ikif.org/schedule. in Boston on October 23 and graciously included Alexander Scriabin’s 12 Etudes, aspx), and the International Musicians agreed to come! She said she doesn’t give Op. 8, 24 Preludes, Op. 11, 4 Preludes, Op. Academy in Vidin, Bulgaria: (http:// master classes but would be glad to listen 37 (completing those sets), as well as internationalmusiciansacademy.com). and make a few comments. And indeed it Mazurkas, Op. 3. These are part of his happened. It was a priceless and amazing ongoing traversal of the Russian master’s time that we were able to spend with piano works for his Scriabin Video Nancy Roldán happily reports that the her, and she was very impressed with our Anthology project. The next recording January 21st fundraiser at Hood College, students. We were all overwhelmed by sessions, including the Third and Sixth to aid victims of Hurricane Maria in the event and remain so to this day! She Piano Sonatas, are slated for May 21 - 22 Puerto Rico, was a success. “Within a listened to 80 minutes of music straight of this year at California State University short time (there were barely six weeks through, no breaks. This time with her - Northridge. In January, Dmitry gave to advertise the event!), and with the help was a tremendous gift to us. Bless her for a lecture on the music of Scriabin and a of RoseAnn Lester, the extraordinary her generosity and genius.” piano master class for the Music Teachers support from Hood College, and artists from the Baltimore-Washington Gila performed in China this past Association of California, Glendale Community, we were able to collect October at Normal University branch. He also gave a class for the Sara over $7,000.00 from a small but most (BNU) and gave master classes at Compinsky series in Southern California. generous audience. Heartfelt thanks BNU, and to students from the Beijing In February, Rachmanov served on the to all who joined me in performance: central conservatory of music at the new adjudication panel of the Los Angeles Edward Polochick, José Cueto, David Steinway Hall in Beijing. She performed International Piano Competition (http:// Lester, José Ramos Santana, and Gustavo additional concerts in Boston (to include www.laipc.org/Aboutus/2018Competition.lay). Ahualli. Helping us advertise were the Beethoven sonatas as well as a duo piano Throughout the season he has adjudicated Frederick Post and the ALS website. As recital with Tal Zilber) and gave a master numerous local competitions and also recipients of this effort, we chose two class in April 2018 as part of the Master served on the pre-selection jury for the reliable non-profit organizations: Project Artists Series at NYU. About 32 new 2018 edition of the PianoTexas Festival, Hope and World Animal Protection. Our clips have been added to Gila’s YouTube “A Pilgrimage to Russian Music” (http:// efforts were augmented by additional channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis www.pianotexas.org). donations sent directly to these or other t=PL33DE1B9DF338124F. Most recently Dmitry attended charities.” Gila has been invited by David MTNA’s 2018 National Conference in On February 11, José Cueto and Witten to be the guest pianist at the Orlando, FL, followed by residencies Nancy performed a duo recital for the Taubman Festival he organizes annually at Charleston Southern University and Concert Artists Series at the Mansion. at Montclair (NJ) State University, and North Carolina University at Greensboro, “People loved both programs.” that concert will be co-hosted (as it was in where he taught master classes and As part of Nancy’s professional the last few years) by the NY/NJ chapter. performed recitals of works by Schubert, dedication to teaching and mentoring, she The concert will take place Saturday, June Chopin, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff (on continues her active role as a consultant 23, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. 3/19 and 3/20 - 21/2018 respectively). with professionals of all ages. She has On April 28 - 29 Dmitry will be particularly enjoyed helping people the featured artist in the City of West “organize” their CVs and biographical Dmitry Rachmanov, the host Hollywood’s 145th materials. As well, she continues to enjoy of the 2016 ALS Conference and Anniversary Festival. May 17 - 18 he will presenting master classes and coaching Festival, participated in the “Festival be a guest artist/masterclass clinician at musical chamber ensembles. Internacional y Masterclass de Piano” the University of Oregon, followed by (www.interpianomasterfest.com) in September his participation in the OYMI Festival 2017, in Monterrey, Mexico, with a series in Toronto, Canada (May 23 - 28). Richard Zimdars is the author of a of master classes and a solo recital. In Rachmanov will perform a solo recital review of DoloresDolores Pesce’s Liszt’s Final October, Dmitry gave a series of recitals on the American Church in Paris Atelier Decade, recipient of the 2017 Alan Walker in collaboration with the New York-based concert series on June 3 (https://www. Book Award given by The American Russian soprano, Elena Mindlina. The acparis.org/atelier-concerts). Later in June, Liszt Society. The review appears in the programs were dedicated to the theme, he will be presenting a lecture-recital November/December issue of Clavier “Russian Art Song,” and included works on the Moscow Piano School at the Companion. The issue also includes an by Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, turn of the 20th century for the Music article by Dick’s last DMA student, Hyorim Lee, on six late-intermediate Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich. Teachers Association of California’s 2018 sonatas by Johann Wilhelm Hässler. Elena and Dmitry gave performances convention (http://www.mtac.org/events- Zimdars says, “The music is of high at Cal State - Northridge, Irvine Valley information/convention/). quality, and the article’s biographical College, and Biola University, among His 2018 summer festivals will include sketch of Hässler holds some surprises.”

8 The American Liszt Society - www.americanlisztsociety.net Chapter News

ChapterBaltimore/Washington News Chapter 2017. Chapter president Karen Shaw Barnes said. “And then Liszt as pianist (http://lisztgarrisoncompetition.org) provided opening remarks, introducing a features his etudes and shows off his Nancy Roldán, President varied program of works drawn from revolutionary approach to piano writing. Bolet’s gargantuan repertoire. The six Finally, Liszt as priest deals with the Baltimore/WashingtonThe fundraiser on January Chapter 21 (see Nancy 2017.performers Chapter encompassed president Karen five generations Shaw Barnestranscendent said. “Andmessage then of Liszt music as and pianist (http://lisztgarrisoncompetition.org)Roldan’s member news on page 8) for the providedof graduates opening from remarks,the Karen introducing Shaw studio, a featuresthe listener’s his etudes ability and to participate shows off andhis Nancyrelief of Roldán, victims in President Puerto Rico suffering variedeach pianist program offering of works a unique drawn perspective from revolutionaryexperience divine approach grace tothrough piano music.”writing. from the ravages of Hurricane Maria Bolet’sthat appropriately gargantuan characterizedrepertoire. The the six Finally, Liszt as priest deals with the Thewas plannedfundraiser and on executed January 21by (seeNancy Nancy performersnuance of Bolet’s encompassed commanding five generationspianism. transcendent message of music and RoldanRoldán’ sin member her capacity news as on President page 8) forof the ofThe graduates performers from included the Karen Frederic Shaw Chiu,studio, theNew listener’s York/New ability Jersey to participate Chapter and reliefthe Baltimore/Washington of victims in Puerto Rico Chapter suffering of eachwith pianistMendelssohn’s offering Rondoa unique capriccioso perspective and experience(http://gilagoldstein.com/liszt/) divine grace through music.” fromALS. the “We ravages honored of HurricanePablo Casals Maria for his thatall three appropriately of Liszt’s characterizedSonnetti from the the Gila Goldstein, President wascontribution planned andto music executed in Puerto by Nancy Rico, and nuanceItalian book of Bolet’s of the commanding Années de pèlerinage pianism.; Roldánalso honored in her Franzcapacity Liszt as Presidentas a musician of TheMark performers De Zwaan included, with Liszt’s Frederic “Dante” Chiu, NewOn January York/New 26, Boaz Jersey Sharon Chapter and Pavel theand Baltimore/Washington philanthropist, including Chapter a beautiful of withSonata, Mendelssohn’s finale to the Rondo aforementioned capriccioso and (http://gilagoldstein.com/liszt/)Nersessian, piano faculty members at the ALS.rendition “We of honored his Elegy Pablo No. 2 Casals for Violin for his allItalian three volume; of Liszt’s Read Sonnetti Gainsford, from withthe the GilaBoston Goldstein, University President School of Music, were contributionand Piano by Joséto music Cueto in Puertoand Edward Rico, and Italian“Bénédiction” book of fromthe Années Liszt’s de Harmonies pèlerinage; guests of our Chapter. They performed alsoPolochick.” honored AdditionalFranz Liszt performers as a musician Markpoétiques De et Zwaanreligieuses, ;with Steven Liszt’s Spooner “Dante”, Ona duo-piano January 26, recital Boaz at Sharonthe Cali and School Pavel of andincluded philanthropist, baritone Gustavo including Ahualli, a beautiful violist Sonata,with Liszt’s finale Phantasiestück to the aforementioned on a Theme Nersessian,Music at Montclair piano faculty State Universitymembers atof the renditionJennifer Rende, of his Elegydouble No. bassist 2 for ViolinDavid Italianfrom Wagner’s volume; “Rienzi Read” Gainsford, ; and husband- with the BostonNew Jersey. University The program School of included Music, wereworks andLester, Piano and by pianists José Cueto José Ramosand Edward Santana, “Bénédiction”and-wife duo Matthew from Liszt’s Gianforte Harmonies and guestsby Schubert, of our Debussy,Chapter. Prokofiev,They performed and Polochick.”and Nancy. NancyAdditional wishes performers to thank all poétiquesMeeyoun et religieuses Park, with; Steven Liszt’s Spooner two-piano, aLiszt’s duo-piano Les Préludes recital. at the Cali School of includedwho performed, baritone attended, Gustavo andAhualli, donated violist to withConcerto Liszt’s pathétique Phantasiestück. The concert on a Theme was an Music On atFebruary Montclair 26, State pianist University Hong Xu, of Jenniferthis worthy Rende, cause. double As well, bassist she David extends fromauthoritative Wagner’s “Rienzitribute ”and ; and an husband- altogether Newhailing Jersey. from Wuhan,The program China, included performed works Lester,special andthanks pianists to Mary José Ellen Ramos Crowley Santana, and-wifelucid remembrance duo Matthew of the Gianforte tremendous and byfor Schubert, the Chapter Debussy, at the YamahaProkofiev, Piano and andfor theNancy. final Nancybooklet wishes design to and thank Susana all MeeyounLiszt advocate Park and, with interpreter Liszt’s two-piano [and Liszt’sSalon in Les NYC Préludes to a. crowd of mostly whoCavallero, performed, who was attended, in charge and of donated itemizing to Concertorecipient pathétique of the Medal. The ofconcert The American was an enthusiasticOn February Chinese 26, pianist students Hong currently Xu, thisthe donationsworthy cause. and sendingAs well, themshe extends to the authoritativeLiszt Society tributein 1988]. and A an lively altogether soirée and hailingstudying from in New Wuhan, York. China, “Two performed of his specialrelief agencies. thanks to Mary Ellen Crowley lucidreception remembrance at the Shaw of residencethe tremendous extended forformer the Chapterdistinguished at the professors Yamaha Piano at for the final booklet design and Susana Lisztthe spirit advocate of celebration and interpreter late into [and the SalonJuilliard in honoredNYC to aus crowd with theirof mostly presence: Cavallero, who was in charge of itemizing recipientevening. of the Medal of The American enthusiasticJerome Lowenthal Chinese (astudents recent currentlyrecipient of theChicago/Midwest donations and sending Chapter them to the Liszt Society in 1988]. A lively soirée and studyingthe Medal in of New The York. American “Two Liszt of his Society) relief(http://facebook.com/LisztChicago) agencies. reception at the Shaw residence extended formerand Robert distinguished McDonald, professors as well as at by Alexander Djordjevic, President theNebraska spirit of Chapter celebration late into the Juilliardour member honored and uswell with known their recording presence: evening.(http://paulbarnes.net/) Jeromeengineer Lowenthal Joseph Patrych, (a recent who recipientrecorded of Chicago/MidwestAlexandre Dossin, Chaptervice president of The Paul Barnes, President thethe Medalconcert. of The programAmerican included Liszt Society) two (http://facebook.com/LisztChicago)American Liszt Society, will perform a andsonatas Robert by Mozart McDonald, (K. 281 as well and asK. by 576), Alexanderrecital in Chicago Djordjevic, on Wednesday, President May 2, Nebraska“! Chapter A Birthday Celebration: ourwhich member were played and well with known crystalline recording sound, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. The event is presented (http://paulbarnes.net/)Franz Liszt as Poet, Pianist, and Priest” engineerclarity, and Joseph great Patrych,expression, who and recorded three of Alexandreby the Chicago-Midwest Dossin, vice Chapterpresident of of The The Paultook placeBarnes, Sunday, President October 22 in theLiszt’s concert. most belovedThe program works: included “Bénédiction two American Liszt Society,Society andwill isperform hosted aby Kimball Recital Hall on the campus of sonatasde Dieu by dans Mozart la Solitude,” (K. 281 “Lesand K. Cloches 576), recitalthe PianoForte in Chicago Foundation. on Wednesday, The Mayrecital 2, “Lisztomania!the University Aof Birthday Nebraska. Celebration: The concert whichde Gèneve,” were played and the with Bellini/Liszt crystalline sound, 2018,will take at 7:30place p.m. at the The Foundation event is presented’s Studios Franzwas available Liszt as via Poet, the Pianist,internet and through Priest” clarity,Réminiscences and great de Norma expression, de Bellini and - Grande three of byat 1335the Chicago-Midwest South Michigan AvenueChapter in of The tooka link place to the Sunday, UN School October of Music. 22 in A Liszt’sfantaisie. most His belovedplaying ofworks: Liszt “Bénédiction was AmericanChicago. DossinLiszt Society’s program and is will hosted include by Kimball“birthday Recital reception,” Hall on sponsored the campus by theof deravishing Dieu dans and lamesmerizing.” Solitude,” “Les Cloches theworks PianoForte by Chopin, Foundation. Liszt, Villa-Lobos, The recital and thePearle University Francis ofFinigan Nebraska. Foundation The concert and de Gèneve,”Steven Spooner and the willBellini/Liszt perform his willGershwin. take place For at more the Foundation information,’s Studiosplease wasNothing available Bundt via Cakes, the internet followed through the Réminiscences“pick and choose” de Norma Liszt de Belliniprogram - Grande (works atgo 1335 to the South PianoForte Michigan Foundation Avenue in website, aconcert. link to the Chapter UN School President of Music. Paul Barnes A , fantaisie.chosen by His the playing audience of Lisztmembers was from a Chicago.https://pianofortechicago.com/concerts-events/. Dossin’s program will include “birthdayalong with reception,” University sponsoredof Nebraska by - the ravishinglist provided and by mesmerizing.” the artist) on Thursday, works by Chopin, Liszt, Villa-Lobos, and PearleLincoln Francis Alumni Finigan Richard Foundation Fountain and MaySteven 17, at Spooner7:30 p.m., will in theperform Yamaha his Gershwin. For more information, please Nothingand Elizabeth Bundt GrimpoCakes, followed were featured the “pickPiano andSalon. choose” For more Liszt information,program (works goIndiana to the ChapterPianoForte Foundation website, concert.performers Chapter at the Presidentconcert. OtherPaul Barnes, chosenplease contact by the [email protected] members from. a https://pianofortechicago.com/concerts-events/.([email protected]) alongperformances with University included of undergraduate Nebraska - and list provided by the artist) on Thursday, Karen Shaw, President Lincolngraduate Alumni piano students Richard in Fountain the School of May 17, at 7:30 p.m., in the Yamaha andMusic. Elizabeth Barnes Grimpoorganized were the programfeatured Piano Salon. For more information, IndianaThe Indiana Chapter University chapter celebrated performersin three parts. at the “It concert. worked outOther that the please contact [email protected]. ([email protected])a Lisztian of the highest order in its performancesprogram is divided included perfectly undergraduate into Liszt and Karen“Tribute Shaw, to Jorge President Bolet” at Indiana graduateas poet, which piano arestudents the beautiful, in the School lyrical, of University Auer Hall on November 10, Music.gorgeous Barnes works organized inspired bythe poetry,” program The Indiana University chapter celebrated in three parts. “It worked out that the a Lisztian of the highest order in its program is divided perfectly into Liszt Hong Xu with Jerome Lowenthal. “Tribute to Jorge Bolet” at Indiana as poet, which are the beautiful, lyrical, University Auer Hall on November 10, gorgeous works inspired by poetry,” Volume 33, Number 2 9 Hong Xu with Jerome Lowenthal.

Volume 33, Number 2 9 More Chapter News

Ohio Chapter The festival component of this of the ALS Journal, it greatly interested ([email protected]) competition was realized through the the young Paderewski scholar Aleksander Caroline Hong, President theme of “Legacy” and paid tribute to Laskowski, who plans to quote William my teacher at Peabody and one of the Mason’s article in an upcoming lecture at It is not by accident that I write this co-founders of The American Liszt the National Museum in Warsaw. memo during the Easter holiday season, a Society, the late Fernando Laires. Also, The recurring themes centered on time that represents, among other things, the opening night concert featured 2013 benefits to contestants and included second chances and new beginnings. The Solo Artist Category winner Tatiana transparency, healthy psychology, and Liszt-Garrison Festival and International Muzanova, and Drs. Dobner, McMillan, career assistance to the upcoming Piano Competition found their way Roldán, and Professor Cueto, all of whom generations of young artists. The latter to their new home, The Ohio State performed a brilliant concert that was is an aspect of our competition that we University, October 13 - 15, 2017. We well-attended and enthusiastically received could further develop. To that end, are grateful to the Founder and Artistic by the public. Dr. Arved Ashby, pianist having been greatly impacted by this Director between the years 2005 - 2015, and eminent musicologist, led a round- conference, I am committed not only to Dr. Nancy Roldán, for her assistance table discussion titled, “Dangerous… continue administering this competition and presence during the competition to Yet Angelic”; and finally, the widow of but to increase its breadth and scope. ensure that everything ran according to ALS lifetime member and my dear friend The Ohio Chapter will need time to her vision and the established tradition Dr. Joel Hastings, Charise Hastings, regroup, raise funds, identify substantive of the competition. In addition, the shared some insights and words of sponsors, and build proper community following members of The American encouragement for the contestants at the support. For this reason, we will hold Liszt Society graciously donated their closing ceremony of awards. the next competition May 6 - 8, 2020. time and expertise, and traveled at their The Ohio Chapter graciously We intend to schedule the event every own expense to serve as judges for this acknowledges the underwriting of prize three years; this will give some space to competition: for the Artist Solo Category, monies by The American Liszt Society our sister competition in Los Angeles, Dr. Michael Boyd, Dr. Alexandre and the support given by President Jay and scheduling it in spring will be less Dossin, and Dr. Daniel Paul Horn; and Hershberger and the ALS Executive disruptive to the academic calendar for the Collaborative Artist Category, Dr. Committee. I would also like to while simultaneously avoiding fall Gabriel Dobner, Dr. Kevin McMillan, acknowledge the tireless efforts of the college football season (which is a major and Professor José Cueto. Ohio Chapter members who worked diversion here at OSU!). We are in the We heard some fantastic music- to help fundraise and host the Festival process of developing a new website for making by young artists: performances Dinner, along with friends Andy and the Ohio Chapter and the international not only of Liszt’s music but also from Kathy Steinmann, and piano students competition, and we expect the site to go other parts of the traditional repertory, of the OSU-SOM for their help. I am active this spring or in early summer. in addition to much wonderful American very encouraged by the initial movement Members of the Ohio Chapter, chapter piano music. For me, highlights in the community to help assist with vice president and co-founder, Dr. Ryan among the performances were Han this competition and look forward to Behan, and I are grateful for your interest Wang’s “Funérailles,” and Inyoung broadening our circle of support. and continued support. Kim’s performance of Lera Auerbach’s As the new director of this 24 Preludes, Op. 41, for which Ms. competition, I was invited to attend Kim received an Artist Solo Category the first Alink-Argerich Foundation San Francisco Chapter Honorable Mention. There were many conference, held in Barcelona, Spain, ([email protected]) interestingly programmed and executed this past March 18 - 20, 2018. Directors William Wellborn, President. performances, and each contestant and representatives of international brought something unique and special competitions throughout the world, The Chapter had a birthday gala concert to the stage. Artist Solo Categories top including the Liszt-Utrecht, Paderewski, on October 22, with ten pianists and a prizes went to Joseph Kingma, who Grieg, Gina Bachauer, Maria Canals 13-year-old organist playing the Fantasy received 1st Prize and the award for International Piano Competitions, to and Fugue on the Theme B-A-C-H. We Best Interpretation of a composition name a few, were in attendance. My directed our portion of the profits toward by an American composer; and to participation on the panel “Budget/ fire relief in northern California. Chen-Shen Fan, the 2nd Prize and Best Prizes and Packages” led to an inevitable Interpretation Award of a composition discussion of The American Liszt by Franz Liszt. The Special Award for Society’s work and missions through our Artistic Collaboration went to Yaroslava By-laws (many thanks to Dr. Daniel Paul Poletaeva, violin, and Darren Matias, Horn for brainstorming with me on this piano, and the Honorable Mention went matter). In these and other ways, the to Chih-Jung Hsu, violin, and Sheng-Yuan awareness of the ALS increased, and we Kuan, piano. Dr. Roldán announced established far-reaching connections into a special award of membership in The an international arena. I’ll give one small American Liszt Society to both duos. example: when I shared the latest edition Daniel Glover (l) and William Wellborn chatting after the San Francisco Liszt Gala in October.

10 The American Liszt Society - www.americanlisztsociety.net More Chapter News

Southern California Chapter In collaboration with the Deering Estate Gaspar Villate, Ignacio Cervantes, and the (http://fb.me/theamericanliszt as part of the Liszt Concert Series, Leipzig-trained José Comellas’ Nocturne, societysocal) Kemal Gekić performed a recital on Op. 12, and Sonata Brillante. Eugene Alcalay, President October 20, 2017 that included works by Chopin and Liszt, including the latter’s Our Chapter and the School of Music at Concert Paraphrase on Mendelssohn’s “A University of Hartford Chapter Asuza Pacific University (APU) presented Midsummer Nights’ Dream,” Réminiscences de (http://www.hartford.edu/hartt/ “ALS @ APU,” a mini-piano festival Robert le Diable, and about-us/faculty/music/keyboard/ Saturday, November 18, 2017. Featured Nos. 10 and 11. luiz-de-moura-castro.aspx) artists included John Perry, Sarkis The South Florida Chapter presented Luiz DeMoura Castro, Head Baltaian, Dmitry Rachmanov, Eugene its usual mini-Liszt Festival with two Alcalay, and APU and guest student concerts at Florida International Bridget and Luiz DeMoura Castro, performers. University. On Saturday, October 21, on behalf of the Connecticut chapter, After brief welcoming and 2017, the program featured “Walther produced what Justin Kolb called “a introductory remarks by others, Dr. von der Vogelweide,” from Liszt’s wonderful concert” on Sunday, October Sarkis Baltaian held a master class for Wartburg-Lieder, with Robert B. 29 at the prestigious New Britain Museum students performing works by Schubert, Dundas, violinist Robert Davidovici, of American Art. The house was packed, Schubert as arranged by Liszt, Chopin, and pianist Kemal Gekić; Liszt’s Two and the audience’s enthusiasm and energy and Khachaturian. A pre-college student Elegies in a version for violin and piano; matched that of the performers. The recital followed, featuring works by Alkan’s Symphonie, Op. 39, played by program presented included 19th-, 20th-, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel, José López, and Liszt’s transcription of and 21st-century compositions with an and works by Bach and Schubert as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, performed emphasis on Liszt, of course. Faces of transcribed by Liszt. Chapter President by undergraduate pianist Sinan Çayir. performers familiar to ALS members Eugene Alcalay played a recital including The next day, Liszt’s birthday on were, in addition to Luiz and Bridget, Liszt’s “Vallée d’Obermann” and October 22, was devoted to a concert Eugene Alcalay and Justin Kolb. Also Beethoven’s “Hammerklavier” Sonata. in the Jewish Museum of Florida. The performing were Paul Bisaccia, Sarah John Perry, the renowned pianist and performance was part of a program that Asmar Kohl (O quand je dors), Victor Nigri, teacher, presented a master class for highlighted Jewish composers in Liszt’s and Margarita Nuller. college students that included works by circle. José López performed a selection Haydn, Beethoven, Liszt, and Gounod as of works by Fanny Mendelssohn and transcribed by Liszt. Dmitry Rachmanov Ferdinand Hiller, as well as Alkan’s lectured on the topic, “Franz Liszt and Nocturne, Op. 22 and Symphonie, Op. 39. In Memoriam Russian Musical Culture - Legacy & Kemal Gekić collaborated by playing (continued from page 6) Influence.” The concluding event of Liszt’s original Concert Paraphrase the festival was a concert presented by on Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night's college students. The monumental recital Dream” and Réminiscences de Robert le Diable. Church’s sanctuary is named in his honor. included works by Mozart, Beethoven, The Deering Estate Ensemble He is remembered by pianists everywhere Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, Rachmaninov, presented a program of music by for his book, Famous Pianists and Their Bartók, and Ginastera. composers in Liszt’s circle on November Technique, republished a few years ago (Readers will remember Azusa Pacific 3, 2017. The Ensemble consists of by Indiana University Press. He was an University as the primary location for the University of Miami Frost School faculty enthusiastic member of The American biennial Los Angeles International Liszt members Scott Flavin, violin, and Ross Liszt Society, serving at one time as Competition.) Harbaugh, cello; ALS member Laura treasurer and membership secretary. Wilcox, viola; José López, piano; and The Society honored him for his service Correction to the Southern California guest pianist Bernice Harbaugh. The at the 2014 Festival at James Madison Chapter news in the previous issue of the program included several of the Liszt's University, at which time a special video ALS Newsletter: The Chapter hosted Six arranged for cello and greeting from him was shown. He was the two events for the Los Angeles piano; a movement of Alkan’s Sonata for the devoted husband of Irene, universally International Liszt Competition in March Cello and Piano, Op. 47; Alkan’s Symphonie, known as “Connie,” who preceded 2017, not in 2018. José Raúl López Op. 39; Schumann’s Five Pieces in Folk him in death. He leaves behind a son, performed in November 2016, not in Style, Op. 102, and Brahms’ Sonata No. 3 Reginald, Jr., formerly librarian for the November 2017. The Editor regrets in D minor for Violin and Piano, Op. 108. United States Supreme Court, a daughter, these errors. A second recital on the Deering Liszt Sarah, and one grandchild. He also leaves Series (March 16, 2018) featured José behind generations of grateful students, López in an unusual program of works colleagues, fellow church members, and South Florida Chapter by Cuban-born composers during Liszt’s friends, who remember his gentleness and (http://www.joselopezpiano.com/) era - part II. The concert included works kindly spirit. José Raúl López, President by Nicolás Ruíz Espadero (Poliuto and La Daniel Paul Horn Traviata transcriptions), Manuel Saumell,

Volume 33, Number 2 11 Picture Page

Judges for the Ohio Liszt Competition (from left to right): Kevin McMillan, Gabriel Dobner, Daniel Paul Horn, Caroline Hong, José Cueto, Nancy Roldán, Michael Boyd, Ryan Behan, Ty Boyle, Shitong Sigler. View of balcony, inner court of the Beethoven Museum, Vienna.

San Francisco Chapter Liszt Gala recital performers (left to right): Robert Schwartz, Gwendolyn Mok, Riley Cook, William Wellborn, Indiana Chapter performers at the Jorge Bolet Tribute (left to right): Steven Daniel Glover, Steven Bailey, Dominic Pang, Jeffrey LaDeur, Machiko Spooner, Read Gainsford, Mark DeZwaan, Matthew Gianforte, Meeyoun Park, Kobialka, and Sandra Wright Shen. and Frederic Chiu.

Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University.

Martha Argerich listening to a Boston University pianist.

Paul Barnes in a meditative moment at the Nebraska Liszt Gala. 12 The American Liszt Society - www.americanlisztsociety.net