BBC Music Magazine Review – September 2010

Landor Records LAN 290

Libor Novacek already has a reputation as a fine and sensitive artist. He makes a lovely sound – rounded, mellow, powerful where needed, and never for a moment ugly.

This recording of the first book of Années de pèlerinage begins with a superb account of ‘Chapelle de Guillaume Tell’, the long, slow final crescendo is wonderfully sustained, followed by some ear-bewitching pedalling in ‘Au lac de Wallenstadt’. And Novacek has no problem commanding the great spans of ‘Vallée d’Obermann’, which unfolds with brooding grandeur. 

If you like your Liszt-playing on the thoughtful side, then Novacek’s Années de pèlerinage is worth consideration.

Performance: ****

Sound: ****

Malcolm Hayes