Right at the top of the hit Liszt

ACCLAIMED Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski will play the Liszt Piano Concerto No.2 in A when he gives his debut appearance with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at the Tchaikovsky’s Sixth concert in Hobart on Saturday night.

Trpceski said Liszt was known for his virtuosic capabilities on the piano.

“He was also an explorer of the musical form,” he said.

“I love both his piano concertos, but particularly number two because it shows his development as a composer.

“He transforms the themes in this piece with a lot variety, and shows the spectrum of the orchestra in combination with the piano.

“There are wonderful solos of the cello and the woodwind.

“There is no shortage of virtuosic passages, and it is like a symphonic poem with the piano.

“The changes in the theme and the tempo keep all the musicians on the edge.”

Trpceski said it was pure romanticism without overindulgence.

“It shows Liszt was a very sophisticated composer,” he said.

“He saw the big picture.”

The work has seven connecting sections.

“It allows the theme to be heard in many different variations,” Trpceski said.

“At the same time it can be seen as one big, unified movement.

“The opening is warm and distant, with the lovely theme in the clarinet with the piano accompaniment, which slowly develops and becomes more passionate. It becomes very energetic, rhythmic and demonic in places.

“It then transforms into a beautiful love theme, followed by a fiery march-like exploration of the opening theme, which takes you all over the piano.

“At the end he merges the two themes in a playful coda so it comes full circle.

“I think it will be a great experience for the audience.”

Also featuring the Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 Pathetique and the Love Scene from Romeo et Juliette by Berlioz, the concert will take place be at the Federation Concert Hall from 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets start at $33, go to www.tso.com.au or phone 1800 001 190 for bookings.