American Record Guide, March / April 2001
… there is no question that Ms Fialkowska knows this piece (3rd concerto) inside and out, and her reading of it is quite enjoyable, a close match to Lowenthal in temperament and certainly more poetic.
… she’s certainly far more spirited than either Howard or Hoteev, swaggering through the Gypsy dance rhythms and caressing the more reflective parts with the greatest delicacy.
It should be noted that this is a more reflective and thoughtful reading of the E-flat score than most; Ms Fialkowska finds music in this concerto where so many others see only a barnstorming display, and her attention to line and phrasing pays rich dividends; certainly her piquant touch in the “Allegretto vivace” section (with the infamous triangle) is a joy to hear, and there’s no lack of fire sinew in the final pages.
In the A-major concerto she reminds us that Liszt here created a more expressive vehicle than his idolators were surely led to expect, and her sustained dialogue with the solo cello midway in is magical. Others have made more of the sheer virtuoso display of both pieces without neglecting the more lyrical passages either – certainly Richter, Janis, and Katchen - but I will return often to Fialkowska’s soulful and poetic readings as welcome repose.
So here is a richly satisfying cycle that may stand beside any others on your shelf, further distinguished by solid orchestral support from the Calgary Philharmonic and a dark, rich recording that sets off the crisp tang of Ms Fialkowska’s solo instrument most effectively. Here’s the best way I know to obtain all three Liszt concertos and enjoy the Hungarian Concerto into the bargain.