The German Liszt Society about Lars David Kellner's recording: Franz Liszt - Complete Works for Harmonium (Vol. 2)

"With this 2nd volume of his recording, Lars David Kellner not only continues the rehabilitation of the harmonium in Liszt's oeuvre, but also makes a significant contribution to the interpretation of Liszt's sacred compositions" (M. Straeter, German Liszt Society, 2021)

(To the review of the album on the website of the German Liszt Society)

Lars David Kellner has published Volume 2 of his three-volume series of complete works for harmonium by Franz Liszt. The remarkable recording is available through the well-known distributors.

The program includes:

Angelus! S672c from volume III of the Années de pelèrinage
two Church Hymns S669: Salve Regina and Ave Maris Stella
the three-part Rosario S670
Ora pro nobis S262
nine Chorales S504b
O Roma nobilis S669c

Even the dramatic opening with the program's only 'secular' work shows Kellner at his best. How he knows how to transfer the complex dramaturgy of the piece to the harmonium is impressive. Also the three-part Rosario (Mysteria gaudiosa/dolorosa/gloriosa), in which the three Marys and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus are reflected, has not been heard before: three finely crafted, individual miniatures and a large tryptichon at the same time. If virtuosity consists in bringing musical expression and instrumentation into accordance, then Kellner demonstrates it here - as in the entire recording. Tempos and changes of register fit into a clever and coherent dramaturgy that allows Liszt's compositions to shine on the instrument.

The richly colored Mannborg harmonium, which is also finely intoned, and the excellent recording technique, which illuminates both the work on and in the instrument and the surrounding church space, still make a special appearance in the chorales.That and why Liszt entrusted these nine chorale arrangements to the harmonium is shown on the one hand by Lars David Kellner in an intimate and internalized interpretation, but also, especially in hymnal and dialogic passages (Vexilla regis, Jesu Christe, Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten), which repeatedly evokes congregational singing.That and why Liszt entrusted these nine chorale arrangements to the harmonium is shown on the one hand by Lars David Kellner in an intimate and internalized interpretation, but also, especially in hymnal and dialogic passages (Vexilla Regis, Jesu Christe, Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten), which repeatedly evokes congregational singing. The volume closes hymnally, namely with Liszt's arrangement of the hymn O Roma nobilis, discovered at the beginning of the 19th century and presumably dating from the 9th or 10th century.

With this 2nd volume of his recording, Lars David Kellner not only continues the rehabilitation of the harmonium in Liszt's oeuvre, but also makes a significant contribution to the interpretation of Liszt's sacred compositions, which is simply fun due to the wonderful sound of the Mannborg harmonium and Kellner's colorful playing. We look forward to the third and final part.