French pianist Blandine Waldmann invites listeners into a world of contemplation and introspection with her latest release, Liszt’s Consolation S.172 No. 1. In this delicate work, Waldmann highlights a side of Franz Liszt that is often overshadowed by his reputation as a dazzling virtuoso. Instead of the fiery brilliance that defined his early career, this piece unveils a composer looking inward, embracing stillness, tenderness, and spiritual depth.
Waldmann’s performance captures the poetic restraint at the heart of the Consolation. Each phrase unfolds with quiet elegance, allowing the music’s simplicity to shine. As she describes it, “This unexpected minimalism in Liszt’s musical output concentrates the essence of Lisztian romanticism in just a few notes.” Her interpretation reflects this philosophy, emphasizing the purity of the melody and the subtle emotional shifts that give the piece its timeless beauty.
With this new single, Waldmann demonstrates not only her technical finesse but also her sensitivity to the emotional nuances of Romantic music. Consolation No. 1 becomes more than a piano piece—it is a moment of calm, a gentle pause, and an open invitation for listeners to reflect and reconnect with their inner selves.
