Compositions by Stefan Wolpe: A Compelling Interpretation by David Holzman

Composer: Stefan Wolpe
Works: Sonata No.1 “Stehende Musik”, Adagio, Tango, The Good Spirit of a Right Cause, Encouragements for Piano, Waltz for Merle, Zemach Suite
Performers: David Holzman, piano
Recording: Sonic Temple, Roslindale, Mass., October 2000, November 2000, and July 2001
Label: BRIDGE

Stefan Wolpe, a pivotal figure in 20th-century music, emerges in this collection as a composer whose works reflect the tumultuous landscape of his time. Born in 1902 in Berlin, Wolpe’s early compositions resonate with the cultural upheavals of the Weimar Republic, while his later pieces, crafted in the United States, grapple with the complexities of identity and political sentiment. The selections on this recording, spanning from 1920 to 1952, showcase Wolpe’s evolution as a composer, revealing an artist deeply engaged with both the avant-garde and the human experience.

David Holzman’s performance is characterized by both technical prowess and an incisive interpretative vision. His approach to the Sonata No.1 “Stehende Musik” exemplifies this duality; the work’s repetitive structures and contrasting explosive movements are rendered with precision and a palpable sense of drama. Holzman’s handling of the slow movement, marked “Fast langsam,” is particularly noteworthy, as he artfully navigates its lyrical yet tense melodic lines, providing a moment of introspection amidst the surrounding dynamism. The explosive outer sections are executed with formidable energy, reflecting the sonata’s demand for physical and mental endurance.

The recording quality is commendable, capturing the intricate textures of Wolpe’s piano writing with clarity and depth. The engineering allows for a nuanced appreciation of Wolpe’s complex harmonic language and varied dynamics. Each piece is afforded an acoustic space that respects the composer’s intent, whether it be the sardonic wit of the Tango or the stark dissonance of The Good Spirit of a Right Cause. The sound is full yet transparent, ensuring that Holzman’s articulation of the intricate rhythmic patterns and layered motifs remains distinct.

Holzman’s interpretations are particularly effective in conveying the emotional weight of pieces like Encouragements for Piano. This work, demanding both technical precision and expressive depth, benefits from Holzman’s thorough understanding of Wolpe’s stylistic nuances. The Battle Piece, with its oscillating tension and release, showcases Holzman’s ability to balance intensity with moments of respite, allowing the listener to engage with the work’s inherent complexities. Comparatively, while other notable recordings of Wolpe’s piano works exist, Holzman’s commitment to the score and his dynamic range set this performance apart.

The Zemach Suite’s accessibility, juxtaposed with the later, more challenging works, illustrates Wolpe’s shifting style and intentions. Holzman’s interpretation delivers the Suite’s rhythmic vitality while maintaining the subtleties of its choreographic origins, enhancing the listener’s appreciation of its foundational role in Wolpe’s oeuvre. The haunting Waltz for Merle, meanwhile, stands as a poignant testament to Wolpe’s ability to evoke emotion through brevity, with Holzman’s performance reveling in its enigmatic qualities.

A formidable collection that captures the essence of Stefan Wolpe’s diverse musical language, this recording by David Holzman emerges as a significant contribution to the understanding of Wolpe’s piano repertoire. It not only illuminates the technical demands of the works but also invites listeners into the emotional heart of Wolpe’s music, making it an essential listen for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Tom Fasano has been writing reviews of classical music recordings for the past quarter century. He's finally making them public on this blog.