Album insights
Recorded during Nikolai Demidenko's series of six concerts at Wigmore Hall in London, these performances on two CDs encompass 250 years of piano music, from Scarlatti to Gubaidulina, featuring works of instrumental technique and modern piano resources. The concerts were planned by Ates Orga under the patronage of The Lord Birkett and financially supported by Lloyds Private Banking.
These masterpieces for piano aimed to present a historical overview, showcasing changing styles, aesthetic values, and imaginative responses. The series, initially introduced in Northern Ireland during 1991/92 at the Belfast Festival, was continued under the patronage of Queen's University Belfast and the Cultural Committee of Northern Ireland.
Johann Václav Worzischek, originally from Bohemia, established himself as a notable figure in Vienna after studying with prominent musicians of the time. Exhibiting a gentle dynamism akin to Weber, Worzischek's creative output, though small, included significant works such as symphonies, concert variations, and a Sonata quasi una fantasia that bore influences from Beethoven and anticipated elements of Chopin.
His Fantasia, Op 12, published in 1822, holds a mix of bravura and reflective passages, reflecting Worzischek's versatility in crafting multi-dimensional piano compositions. The piece showcases a balance between fluent articulation and emotional depth, presenting a blend of traditional tonalities and innovative harmonies.
In the realm of late piano compositions, Franz Joseph Haydn's Variations in F minor, dedicated to Barbara von Ployer, marked a significant contribution posthumously. Its poignant melodies and intricate variations demonstrate Haydn's profound musical craftsmanship and emotional range, reflecting a period of personal loss and introspection.
Alban Berg's Sonata in B minor, composed during his studies under Schoenberg, symbolizes a compelling blend of expressiveness and structural intricacies, highlighting themes of tragedy and spiritual reflection. Berg's meticulous approach to form and harmonic progression within the sonata reflects an artistic vision that foreshadows the intensity and innovation of his later works, anticipating the shifting tides of 20th-century musical expression.
Sofia Gubaidulina, an esteemed composer from Russia, draws inspiration from Bach, Webern, and Shostakovich, evident in her intricate work Ciacona for piano. Combining tonal and serial elements, the composition embodies a fusion of classicism and contemporary innovation, showcasing Gubaidulina's unique musical voice grounded in tradition yet forward-looking in its explorations of tonal structures and thematic development.
Franz Liszt's Funérailles, part of his Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, stands as a monumental tribute to the failed Hungarian uprising of 1849, embodying themes of mourning and historical remembrance within its sweeping melodies and dramatic shifts in tone. Liszt's composition serves as a poignant reflection on loss and resilience, capturing the essence of a nation in tumultuous times.
Schubert's Impromptus D899 offer a glimpse into the lyrical spirit of the Romantic era, drawing from influences like Tomásek and Worzischek. Rich in melodic variety and harmonic complexity, these compositions reflect Schubert's innovative approach to piano music, blending organic growth with vibrant tonal colors and expressive nuances throughout each piece.