From Liszt to Ligeti.

This article reviews a recital album by Bulgarian violinist Elmira Darvarova featuring mostly short works by Hungarian composers, spanning from Franz Liszt to Gyorgy Ligeti. The program includes pieces by Bartok, Kodaly, Liszt, Jeno Hubay, Karl Goldmark, and Ligeti, highlighting their historical and stylistic contexts, such as Bartok’s early and later compositional phases and Ligeti’s student-era work influenced by Bartok and the New Viennese School. Darvarova, known for her role as concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, is praised for her technical and stylistic command, supported by pianist Thomas Weaver. The album is noted for its thoughtful programming and high-quality sound, offering a diverse exploration of Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian musical traditions.