Henryk Melcer: Klavierkonzerte Nr.1 & 2 auf CD

Das erste der in den 1890er Jahren entstandenen Konzerte ist noch ganz im Stile von Liszt und Chopin geschrieben. Besonders bemerkenswert ist das spannende Finale, das sich durch seinen typisch polnischen Charakter auszeichnet: als Mazurka beginnend, erhöht sich mit Fortschreiten des Satzes dessen Tempo, bis das Stück in der Ekstase eines Volkstanzes endet. Am zweiten Konzert rühmten zeitgenössische Kritiker vor allem den phantasiereichen Gebrauch polnischer Themen. Das Werk verlangt vom Pianisten höchste technische Virtuosität, Vielseitigkeit und nicht zuletzt Durchhaltevermögen, ist er doch nahezu ununterbrochen im Einsatz.

Product-Information:

Hyperion’s celebrated Romantic Piano Concerto series reaches volume 44. This disc includes two prize-winning concertos written in the 1890s by the Polish composer-pianist Henryk Melcer. The first is written in the style of Liszt and Chopin, and is notable particularly for its thrilling finale which is marked by its strong Polish character: starting as a mazurka, the accelerando through the movement increases the excitement of the piece, giving it the frenzy of a kujawiak or oberek. The second concerto was also appreciated by contemporary critics for its imaginative use of Polish themes: one reviewer writes of ‘themes full of expression in Polish character that are developed so splendidly and broadly that they leave us enraptured … an unforgettable impression remains after hearing the Concerto’. This work demands particular technical virtuosity, versatility and stamina on the part of the pianist, who is playing almost continuously.

Rezensionen

'There's plenty to enjoy here … The excellent Jonathan Plowright performs with convictionŠif you¹re an adventurous musical archeologist who's been enjoying the earlier installments of Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto series, you'll definitely want this on your shelves as well' (Fanfare, USA)

'No matter what Melcer throws at him, Plowright not only emerges completely unscathed but sounds as though he's having the time of his life' (International Piano magazine)

'This Hyperion release is simply stunning. Jonathan Plowright taps into the Polish vein with the required vision and power … The plaudits for Plowright … confirm a colossal musical mind and matching technical ease' (International Record Review)

'The Second Concerto from 1898, also in three movements, is crowned by a hair-raising final Allegro con fuoco, a remarkable tour de force which, were it ever to be heard in a concert hall, would have you on your feet at the end cheering … Plowright enhances his glowing reputation as a musical alchemist of rare distinction with a transcendent technique' (Gramophone)

Rezensionen