Liszt and the Cross
Music as Sacrament in the B Minor Sonata
A Recital by Paul Barnes
This provocative recital explores the intimate relationship
between
religion and art in the life and music of Franz Liszt. Liszt's
understanding
of the sacramental nature of music reveals fascinating intersection
with
the Orthodox iconographic tradition. Just as the icon is seen as
a "window to the Kingdom," so Liszt's B Minor Sonata serves as an
"aural" icon, communicating the essence of the Kingdom by stunning
musical
symbolism. A brief lecture that includes the singing of Gregorian
chant and an examination of iconography relating to Liszt is followed
by
a performance of Liszt's greatest composition, the Sonata in B Minor -
"a truly multi-cultural and multi-sensory experience."
Reviews of Barnes' recording of Liszt and
the Cross
“Barnes is a fine
pianist and gives us a performance of resounding
conviction.” British Society Newsletter
"It
is a
majestic, reverential performance that elevates listeners to the sacred
experience Barnes so eloquently desribes in the lecture." Clavier
Magazine
Recent Performances of Liszt and
the Cross
Read Barnes' article on Liszt and
the sacramental nature of music
Icon of the Transfiguration of Christ- an ancient example of
Liszt's
understanding of the sacramental nature of art. St John of
Damascus'
description of the icon could easily describe Liszt's B Minor
Sonata:
"It is a song of triumph, and an enduring monument to the victory of
the
saints and the disgrace of demons."
Buy the recording of the lecture recital at Amazon
Liszt's study bedroom as preserved at the Liszt Museum in Budapest
Barnes in the study bedroom by Liszt's icon of the face of
Christ.