Pöntinen’s traversal of the complete series of Années de Pèlerinage gives the full picture and all facets of Liszt’s genius – from the daring experiments of youth through the mature and brilliant middle period to the austerity and mysticism of Liszt’s old age. The poetic images conjured by the Swiss alpine landscape in the First Year, intense readings of Dante or Petrarca and impressions of paintings and sculpture in the Second, Italy, and finally the late pieces of the Third Year, whose stark message sends prophetic shock waves well into our own time.
Pöntinen plays the 26 pieces of Années divided into three programs, ideally played during two consecutive days but can also be performed as three separate concerts spread out over time.
Premiered at the Stockholm Cathedral, 17 & 18 October 2015.