Composer: Rarities
Works: Fantasia and Fugue on the Chorale “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam” (Liszt/Busoni), Complainte (Siloti), Prelude (Hymne) (Medtner), Barcarolle (Glinka), Novellette op. 11 No. 2 (Rimsky-Korsakov), Kleines Lied in Dorisch auf ‘e’ (Rimsky-Korsakov), Romanze A flat major op. 15 No. 2 (Rimsky-Korsakov), Prelude (Dobrowen), Mazurka-Caprice (Dobrowen), Rondo (Strasfogel), Lotus Land op. 47 No. 1 (Scott), Fox Trot (Erdmann), “Prptilpus” – Eine Fuge, op. 16 No. 5 (Erdmann)
Performers: Hamish Milne (piano), Alexej Ljubimov (piano), Boris Bloch (piano), Kolja Lessing (piano), Donna Amato (piano), Sontraud Speidel (piano)
Recording: Recorded at Husum 17th – 24th August 1991
Label: DANACORD DACOCD 389
The anthology of piano works presented in this recording from the 1991 ‘Schloss vor Husum’ festival offers a captivating glimpse into the lesser-known treasures of the piano repertoire. This collection, featuring composers ranging from Liszt and Busoni to the more obscure Dobrowen and Erdmann, not only highlights the rich diversity of piano music from the Romantic and early 20th-century eras but also showcases the interpretative depth of the featured performers.
Hamish Milne’s interpretation of the monumental “Fantasia and Fugue on the Chorale ‘Ad nos, ad salutarem undam'” offers a striking entry point. Busoni’s transcription of Liszt’s organ work transforms the original into a sprawling, almost symphonic experience, and Milne’s nuanced touch brings out the intricate textures and dramatic contrasts embedded within. The technical challenges of this piece, particularly in the fugue’s complex counterpoint, are met with a confidence that renders the work not merely a transcription but a true reimagining. The engineering of the recording captures the full range of dynamics and colors, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtle shifts in mood that Milne navigates with remarkable fluidity.
Following this, Alexander Siloti’s “Complainte,” a meditation on themes from Tchaikovsky’s incidental music to “Snegourotschka,” emerges as an exquisite gem. Siloti, an underappreciated figure, imbues this brief work with a rare sensitivity, crafting a sound world that is both melancholic and lush. Milne’s performance here is imbued with a delicate lyricism that feels both personal and universal, inviting the listener into an introspective space that lingers long after the last note fades.
Nikolai Medtner’s “Prelude (Hymne)” further exemplifies the festival’s commitment to reviving forgotten masterpieces. This piece, while ostensibly simple, encapsulates the essence of Medtner’s romanticism, and Milne’s deft interpretation brings forth its emotional depth. The precision of his playing juxtaposed with the lush harmonic language showcases Medtner’s unique voice, which often lies in the shadow of his contemporaries.
The contributions from other pianists, such as Alexej Ljubimov’s rendering of Glinka’s “Barcarolle,” reveal a nocturnal beauty that resonates with the listener. Ljubimov’s ability to blend lyrical lines with a flowing, almost dreamlike quality is noteworthy, as it encapsulates the essence of the barcarolle form while remaining true to Glinka’s stylistic roots.
Boris Bloch and Kolja Lessing continue this exploration of the underrepresented, with works by Rimsky-Korsakov and Dobrowen, respectively. The Novelette and Romanze by Rimsky-Korsakov are delightful miniatures that, while not groundbreaking, showcase the composer’s melodic gift and Bloch’s ability to evoke charm through simplicity. Lessing’s performances of Dobrowen’s pieces reveal a keen interpretive insight, particularly in the Mazurka-Caprice, which balances playful energy with lyrical introspection.
The recording also ventures into lighter territory with Eduard Erdmann’s “Fox Trot” and the humorously titled “Prptilpus” – Eine Fuge. Sontraud Speidel’s playful approach to the Foxtrot captures the spirit of the piece, while the fugue’s whimsical character is rendered with a delightful sense of mischief, evidencing Erdmann’s lighter compositional side.
This collection not only serves as a valuable addition to the catalog of rare piano music but also underscores the importance of rediscovering and celebrating lesser-known composers. Each pianist brings their unique perspective to the works, and the recording’s clarity allows the intricate details of each performance to shine. The technical skill on display, combined with thoughtful interpretation, results in a compelling listening experience that invites further exploration of these composers’ broader oeuvres.
This anthology stands as a testament to the richness of the piano repertoire beyond the mainstream canon. Each work, lovingly performed and meticulously recorded, invites listeners to delve into the depths of piano music’s history, revealing the vibrant tapestry woven by composers whose voices deserve to be heard anew.
