Solti Conducts Beethoven and Liszt in Chicago

Grammy-winning recordings of the CSO under Sir Georg Solti featured on WFMT

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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This week, WFMT radio is broadcasting two acclaimed recordings featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of legendary conductor Sir Georg Solti. The program opens with Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 with soloist Vladimir Ashkenazy, followed by Liszt's A Faust Symphony with vocal soloist Siegfried Jerusalem and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

Why it matters

Solti's interpretations of the Beethoven and Liszt works with the CSO are considered among the finest recordings of these pieces, having won multiple Grammy Awards. The broadcast provides listeners a rare opportunity to hear these acclaimed performances.

The details

The Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2 was recorded in 1972, while the Liszt A Faust Symphony was recorded in 1987. Both recordings feature Solti's dynamic and powerful conducting style that helped cement his reputation as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century.

  • The broadcast is airing this week on WFMT radio.
  • The Beethoven concerto recording is from 1972.
  • The Liszt symphony recording is from 1987.

The players

Sir Georg Solti

A legendary Hungarian-British conductor who served as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1969 to 1991.

Vladimir Ashkenazy

A renowned Russian-Icelandic pianist who performed as the soloist on Solti's recording of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Siegfried Jerusalem

A German tenor who was the vocal soloist on Solti's recording of Liszt's A Faust Symphony.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

One of the premier orchestras in the United States, which Solti led as music director for over 20 years.

Chicago Symphony Chorus

The professional choir that performed with the CSO on Solti's recording of Liszt's A Faust Symphony.

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The takeaway

This broadcast provides a rare opportunity for listeners to hear two acclaimed, Grammy-winning recordings that showcase the artistry of Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in landmark works by Beethoven and Liszt.