Larsen derives a Joplinesque ragtime theme from one of the most familiar passages from Liszt's Mephisto pieces and builds it into a grand showpiece on the Romantic model for advanced pianists. It builds to a satisfyingly tempestous climax.
Libby Larsen (b.1950)
"Mephisto Rag is a 'ragtime fantasy grand-piano showcase', loosely mixing themes from, you guessed, the Liszt with ragtime style . . . Although not demanding the virtuosity (or interpretative subtlety) of the Liszt, it builds to a satisfyingly tempestuous climax." - Pamela Lidiard, Piano Professional April 04
"A big work, complicated and pianistically rewarding, it would be the ideal follower or lead-up to Liszt's original block-buster - if your fingers and shoulders are up to it! I enjoyed the sheer cheeky chic and compositional cunning." - John York, Piano March 04
