Album insights
Considered an addition to the Hyperion series, the latest addition, "The Romantic Piano Concerto," complements its predecessors, Episode 11 (CDA66790 featuring Sauer's Piano Concerto No. 1) and Episode 85 (CDA68339 showcasing Reinecke's Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2, and 4.
During his long life, Carl Heinrich Carsten Reinecke, though seldom on current concert programs, was highly revered and influential as a musician, excelling in various roles such as pianist, violinist, conductor, composer, arranger, and educator. His extensive repertoire, encompassing 288 works covering all genres except ballet, showcased his talent amidst contemporaries like Schubert and Beethoven. Noteworthy mentions include Mendelssohn, Schumann, and even later figures like Olivier Messiaen and Elliott Carter, who were toddlers when Reinecke passed away.
In 1860, Reinecke took up the conductorship of Leipzig's prestigious Gewandhaus Orchestra, a post he held for 35 years. His students at Leipzig Conservatory included notable names like Grieg, Sinding, Svendsen, Sullivan, Stanford, Albéniz, and Bruch. Considered a diligent composer, especially for piano, Reinecke's sophisticated style highlighted his prowess in counterpoint and form, earning recognition as one of the best pianoforte arrangers of his time. His versatility as a conductor and accompanist added to his musical prowess.
Reinecke remains the earliest-born musician to have recorded performances, with 27 piano roll recordings between 1904 and 1907. A significant figure for over 40 years in the music world, he continued composing until his passing in Leipzig on March 10, 1910. Notably, his Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, completed in 1877, was heralded as one of the most important new piano concertos. Featuring a unique start with the solo piano and intricate thematic motifs, the concerto offers two possible endings, one concluding with a tranquil pianissimo and the other with a conventional fortissimo cadenza, each offering different musical experiences.
Celebrating Reinecke's legacy, Simon Callaghan's rendition of the concerto features the unconventional quieter ending, with the alternate version included as a bonus track in the album. The concerto's poignant second movement in A-flat major sets a Brahmsian tone before transitioning into the vibrant finale characterized by Chopinesque elements.
Reinecke's dedicated composition, the Concert Piece in G minor, dedicated to Ignaz Moscheles around 1853, seamlessly integrates three sections in a virtuosic display. Reflecting a heightened virtuosity compared to his concertos, the piece blends thematic material, including hymn-like melodies and impassioned episodes, culminating in a delightful G major finish.
Emil Georg Konrad Sauer, a prominent pianist born on October 8, 1862, benefited from a rich musical upbringing, studying under notable figures like Nicolai Rubinstein and Liszt. Amidst significant success in Europe, Sauer's legacy as one of the world's foremost pianists remains unmatched, with accolades praising his elegant playing style. Despite not claiming a spot among the piano greats of the "Golden Age," Sauer's technical prowess persisted into his later recordings, showcasing a mastery that endured through the years.
Sauer's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, a complex work skillfully weaving diverse themes, presents a musical journey interconnected through thematic transformations. Not only does the concerto exhibit a technical finesse but it also features humor and charm, evident in its intricate instrumental orchestrations. The orchestration, rich with flutes, oboes, clarinets, horns, and percussion, underscores the concerto's dynamic narrative, from its somber start to the energetic and dramatic passages, ultimately leading to a lush romantic theme in the finale.
Critically acclaimed for its inventive narrative and sublime beauty, the concerto captivates listeners with its thematic coherence and emotive melodies. The concerto's varied passages, playful nods to other composers, and blend of nostalgia and spirited vigor contribute to its enduring appeal. The concerto's historical premiere at the Kroll Opera House, followed by the Reichstag echoes, adds a layer of historical significance to Sauer's legacy.