marras 24, 2011
Stradal’s transcriptions are both scrupulously accurate and strutted in vaulting virtuoso demands to carry over, with the fullest possible effect, the symphonic grandeurs of the originals and put them in the hands of pianists equal to them. Risto-Matti Marin is such a pianist. One marvels at the stamina that can keep such a plethora of detail in place with such relentless élan; at his narrative shaping, which can turn up an already withering heat, so to speak, at climactic moments; at his overarching persuasiveness.
Adrian Corleonis, Fanfare, Nov–Dec 2011
loka 21, 2010
This is a fantastic performance: The slower sections are beautifully played, the more stormy and virtuosic sections are taken at a tremendous pace and the whole piece holds together. I can’t imagine a better performance of this [Die Ideale] piece in this transcription. I would award this accolade to the other pieces on the disc as well.
Liszt Society Review 21, 2010
kesä 10, 2010
This is the first Stradal-Liszt cycle. I expected it to be a curiosity only. In fact it is much better especially in the hands of Risto-Matti Marin… Marin is in splendid form throughout […] …this adds a munificent chapter to Liszt’s complete solo piano works to place alongside the major cycles by Leslie Howard and Gunnar Johansen. Toccata continue to challenge the listener who complains of the companies’ failure to move away from crossover and the common repertoire rut. More please
Rob Barnett, www.musicweb-international.com, 10.6.2010
