Album insights
Johann Peter Pixis is mainly remembered for his contribution to Liszt's Hexaméron and a few musical anecdotes. Before after moving to Baden-Baden for the last three decades of his life, he had already become a footnote in musical history. A. Ehrlich described Pixis in a book as following in the footsteps of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven as a composer, with 150 piano works like concertos, sonatas, and quartets - all largely forgotten. Despite composing operas as well, they were not successful.
Pixis became a subject of jokes due to his large nose, with Heine noting his physical appearance. One memorable encounter was with Chopin, where a misunderstanding unfolded in Stuttgart. While Pixis was away, Chopin's visit sparked gossip about a young girl he intended to marry, causing initial tension. However, Pixis eventually supported Chopin's endeavors, leading to a notable recommendation resulting in Chopin's work Grand Duo concertant sur des thèmes de Robert le diable de Meyerbeer. Chopin later dedicated a composition to Pixis, highlighting their complex relationship.
The mystery around Pixis deepens with a possible love interest, whether the 16-year-old girl Chopin met was really Pixis's lover or his adopted daughter Franziska Göhringer. Regardless, Francilla Pixis achieved fame as a Mezzo-Soprano. Rediscovery of Pixis's compositions in recent decades has shed light on his talent, with notable interpretations like Howard Shelley's rendition of the Piano Concerto in C major, op. 100. Listening to these works showcases Pixis's brilliance and why he was once acclaimed in Paris among prominent musicians.
Pixis's Parisian legacy includes being among the pianistic elite of his time and receiving recognition from Liszt for Hexaméron. Despite a notable concert mix-up involving Beethoven, Pixis’s work was mistakenly praised as genius. His works, like the Grand Trio No. 1 in E-flat major, demonstrate his innovative compositions and intricate musicality. Another piece, the Piano Trio No. 3 in B minor, marks a dedication to August Klengel, showcasing fiery octaves and delicate motifs that define Pixis's style.
The Leonore Trio features Pixis's collaborative work on Trio concertant No. 1 based on themes from George Onslow's opera Le Colporteur, together with the Bohrer brothers. The trio's structure showcases a rich interplay between string and piano, offering an engaging musical journey reflecting Pixis's friendship and collaborative spirit with talented musicians.