Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 - Josef Bulva

Pianist: Josef Bulva
Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 has been loved by audiences for over a century. For a pianist it requires not only technical bravura, but also an extremely high extra-musical understanding.
During the opening of the lassan, we can hear Bulva play some notes more harshly than one would expect, however this is not mistake. Bulva is invoking the Hungarian folk tradition where violin, clarinet and cymbal would play in unison which would produce a harsh sound.
The fast cadenzas are executed with the uttermost fluidity and the tonal colour is highly convincing.
In the friska, Bulva brings out seemingly new voices with his masterful touch and careful pedalling that allow the piece to appear in a new light. Every innovative sound only enhances the vivacious atmosphere of the friska, one gets the impression that Bulva is truly enjoying himself as he plays.