The Rhapsodies come in several versions, the original solo piano and orchestrated versions. While I have the odd piano version from various performers, there was not a complete set of all 19 Rhapsodies in my collection. Surprisingly few sets are in print these days, however there are a few gems out there. Roberto Szidon recorded a set for DG in the 1970’s and it has been released on a DG2CD set. This is a great modern recording of Liszt’s piano works with good sound and really good performances.

VIA put together an interesting set many years ago of ‘historic’ recordings from the 1900’s-1950’s era, comprised of one performer playing one work. From Cortot, Borovksy, Richter and others give stellar interpretations of these works. These are pianists from the first half of the last century, and while there is some surface noise and hiss here and there, overall the sound is more than adequate, and with each work by a different player you get a varied view of these excellent works. There is a 2CD set available, but iTunes also has the set at a bargain price of $5.99, and a steal at that price.