Khatia Buniatishvili’s encore performance of Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt, in an arrangement by Vladimir Horowitz, showcases her extraordinary technique and expressive power. Captured live in Bucharest, this performance of the renowned rhapsody is filled with the energy and intensity that has come to define Buniatishvili’s style. Known for its technical demands and dramatic flair, Liszt’s piece is a showcase of virtuosity, and Horowitz’s arrangement only heightens the complexity, adding flourishes and rapid passages that make it even more challenging.

In Buniatishvili’s hands, the rhapsody transforms into a vivid narrative, moving from playful, light-hearted sections to passages brimming with Hungarian folk motifs, passion, and grandeur. Her dynamic contrasts, coupled with her passionate approach, emphasize the rhapsody’s structure—from its slow, melancholic opening to the electrifying and fiery finale. This performance is not just a display of technical brilliance but also of Buniatishvili’s interpretive depth, bringing new life and emotional depth to Liszt’s iconic work.

The Romanian audience’s reaction only adds to the atmosphere, highlighting her ability to connect deeply with listeners through her interpretation of one of classical music’s most beloved showpieces.