Composer: Various
Works: Highlights from the Festival of Rare Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum
Performers: Ronald Smith, Michael Ponti, Marc-André Hamelin, Jozef De Beenhouwer, Hamish Milne, Jean-Marc Luisada, Idil Biret, Peter Froundjian, Rainer M. Klaas, Boris Bloch, Daniel Berman
Recording: Recorded in Husum on August 19th – 26th, 1989
Label: DANACORD
The Festival of Rare Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum has long been a bastion of eclectic and underrepresented works, illuminating the vast landscape of piano repertoire that often languishes in obscurity. This collection, featuring highlights from the festival, encapsulates the festival’s ethos of delving deep into the neglected corners of the piano literature. The inclusion of pieces ranging from the mystical Cantique des cantiques by Charles-Valentin Alkan to the vibrant Kitten on the Keys by Zez Confrey showcases a commitment to diversity and exploration that is both refreshing and invigorating.
Ronald Smith’s interpretation of Alkan’s Cantique des cantiques is particularly noteworthy. Alkan, a contemporary of Chopin and Liszt, often finds himself overshadowed by his more famous peers. However, Smith’s nuanced performance brings forth the piece’s ethereal qualities, revealing the intricate interplay between melody and harmonic texture. The recording captures the delicate voicing and dynamic subtleties, allowing listeners to appreciate the sensuousness inherent in Alkan’s writing. This is further complemented by Michael Ponti’s rendition of Rachmaninov’s Serenade, where the pianist’s lyrical phrasing and rich tonal palette evoke the salon atmosphere of the early 20th century, a time when Rachmaninov was establishing his voice in the wake of Tchaikovsky’s influence.
Marc-André Hamelin’s performance of Godowsky’s Study No. 42 after Chopin stands as a testament to the technical prowess demanded by the composer. Hamelin navigates the extreme demands of the left-hand passages with a commanding fluidity, and the recording quality faithfully captures the brilliance of his sound. The contrast between Hamelin’s virtuosic display and the introspective quality of Medtner’s Fairy Tale in c minor, played by Hamish Milne, illustrates the breadth of emotional expression within this compilation. Milne’s interpretation, marked by its rhythmic variety and harmonic richness, invites listeners into a deeply personal narrative, showcasing Medtner’s unique contributions to the piano repertoire.
The engineering of this recording merits particular attention. The acoustics of the Schloss provide a warm resonance that enhances the piano’s tonal richness, allowing the listener to fully engage with the subtleties of each performance. The balance between performers is expertly managed, ensuring that the listener can appreciate the distinct voice of each pianist without interference from the ensemble. This clarity is especially evident in the arrangements and transcriptions that dominate the latter half of the recording, including Boris Bloch’s stunning interpretation of Balakirev’s transcription of Glinka’s The Lark. Here, the piano sings with a lyrical quality that pays homage to the original while revealing the interpretative possibilities of the medium.
The breadth of repertoire presented, from the clever whimsy of Confrey’s ragtime pieces to the poignant lyricism of Fauré’s nocturnes, exemplifies the festival’s mission to resurrect forgotten gems and provide a platform for underappreciated composers. These performances not only pay tribute to the original works but also highlight the artistry and interpretative depth of the pianists involved.
This collection stands as an essential addition to the recorded piano repertoire, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration that is both educational and entertaining. Each track contributes to a broader narrative of revival and rediscovery, inviting listeners to engage with a spectrum of styles and eras that often remain in the shadows. The artistry displayed by the performers, coupled with the thoughtful programming and high-quality production, solidifies this recording as a landmark achievement in the revival of rare piano music.
