Composer: Hans Gál
Works: Complete Piano Duos
Performers: Goldstone and Clemmow – Piano Duo
Recording: Rec 2000
Label: Olympia OCD 709
Hans Gál, a composer whose life spanned the tumultuous 20th century, remains a somewhat overlooked figure in the canon of classical music. Born in Vienna in 1890, Gál’s career faced significant upheaval with the rise of the Nazi regime, which forced him into exile. Settling in Edinburgh, he became a vital part of the local musical landscape, nurturing a wealth of compositions during his latter years. The present recording, featuring the Complete Piano Duos, serves not only as a testament to his creative output but also as an invitation to rediscover the melodic charm and contrapuntal finesse that characterize Gál’s work.
Goldstone and Clemmow deliver a performance that encapsulates the essence of Gál’s aesthetic. The opening work, ‘Three Marionettes,’ showcases their ability to navigate the intricate counterpoint with both precision and warmth. The duo’s interpretation emphasizes the playful character of the music, with a lightness that belies the technical skill required to execute the interwoven lines seamlessly. Their phrasing is particularly commendable; in the second piece, the lilting rhythms and gentle syncopations are rendered with a buoyancy that enhances the work’s inherent charm.
The recording quality is noteworthy, providing a vivid soundscape that allows the nuances of the piano duo to shine. Each note is captured with clarity, enabling the listener to appreciate the rich tonal palette Gál employs. The balance between the two performers is expertly managed, ensuring that neither part overshadows the other. This is particularly effective in the ‘Concertino,’ where the interplay between the lyrical central Siciliano and the vigorous fugal finale reveals the duo’s capacity for dynamic contrast and expressive depth. The engineering captures the resonance of the piano beautifully, allowing the listener to experience the warmth and richness of the instrument without losing definition.
The technical aspects of Gál’s writing are engagingly explored in this recording. The three Impromptus, written for informal entertainments, exude a joyous spontaneity that is mirrored in Goldstone and Clemmow’s lively interpretation. Their use of tempo rubato and articulation choices breathe life into these charming pieces, providing a sense of immediacy that captivates the listener. The final ‘Pastoral Tune for six hands’ adds a delightful anecdotal layer to the performance, illustrating Gál’s light-hearted approach to composition, while also showcasing the collaborative spirit inherent in his music-making.
This recording stands as a significant contribution to the catalog of Gál’s works, effectively encouraging a broader appreciation of his output. The interpretive choices made by Goldstone and Clemmow resonate with authenticity, providing insight into Gál’s musical language that feels both respectful and invigorating. Their performance invites not only enjoyment but also encourages further exploration of Gál’s extensive oeuvre, which includes a wealth of chamber music and other instrumental compositions yet to be fully embraced by the musical community. The Complete Piano Duos is a splendid introduction to the world of Hans Gál, enriching our understanding of a composer whose melodic gifts and contrapuntal mastery deserve a prominent place in the concert repertoire.
