Album insights
Ernö Dohnányi, born on July 27, 1877, in Pozsony, Hungary (known as Pressburg to many Europeans, now Bratislava, Slovakia), was one of the most prolific musicians of the 20th century. At one point in his career, he simultaneously served as the Director-General of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, the conductor of the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, and as the music director of Hungarian radio. Notably, Dohnányi also instructed a whole generation of great Hungarian musicians, including Géza Anda, György Cziffra, Annie Fischer, Boris Goldovsky, Edward Kilenyi, Ervin Nyiregyházi, and Sir Georg Solti. However, his most enduring legacy lies in his piano compositions, blending his talent as one of the leading pianists of his generation with his sense of creating timeless masterpieces.
Dohnányi's musical journey began with his first composition, a 16-bar prayer for piano, in 1884. Over the next decade, he created 75 additional works, most of which were for solo piano or chamber music ensembles with the piano. As a soloist, he debuted at the age of thirteen, playing pieces by Chopin, Mendelssohn, Liszt, and his compositions. Moving to Vienna in 1901, he composed the Four Rhapsodies, Op. 11, structuring them akin to a four-movement sonata, each piece standing on its own merit.
Immersing himself in Viennese musical life, Dohnányi composed Winterreigen, Op. 13, a series of ten bagatelles dedicated to various friends, connecting back to Schumann, Brahms, and other renowned composers in a playful yet profound musical dialogue. Progressing through his career, Dohnányi incorporated nationalist elements into his compositions, such as the piano piece "Pastorale" based on a Hungarian Christmas carol, illustrating his deep connection to his homeland's musical heritage.
Returning to Hungary after World War I, Dohnányi faced political challenges but continued his musical pursuits, collaborating with prominent ensembles and institutions. Despite facing accusations and repercussions post-World War II, Dohnányi maintained his musical integrity and legacy by teaching, performing, and composing until his passing on February 9, 1960, in New York City. Through his original piano compositions, transcriptions, and paraphrases, Dohnányi left an indelible mark on the music world, showcasing not only his prowess as a musician but also his creative and engaging musical style that captivated audiences worldwide.