Album insights
Born in 1854 into a wealthy Jewish family in Breslau, Moritz Moszkowski revealed his musical talent at a young age. The family's relocation to Dresden in 1865 led to his admission to the local conservatory, where he began his first compositions, including a piano quintet at the age of 13. Subsequent to moving to Berlin in 1869, he continued his music studies under Julius Stern and later at Theodor Kullak's Neue Akademie der Tonkunst alongside Xaver and Philipp Scharwenka. Moszkowski eventually became a member of the faculty for over 25 years.
Marking his successful piano debut in 1873 in Berlin, Moszkowski swiftly gained renown through his virtuosic playing and interpretations of classical pieces while embarking on concert tours. His collaboration with Philipp Scharwenka in 1871 for an orchestral event in Berlin, where he introduced his own piano concerto as a soloist, received the endorsement of Franz Liszt. Moszkowski's initial works, such as the Spanish Dances for two pianos op. 12, orchestrated later by Philipp Scharwenka, garnered substantial popularity and preserved his fame well into the 20th century despite other compositions fading into obscurity.
In the 1880s, a neurological condition hindered Moszkowski's performance career, prompting him to shift focus towards composition and conducting. Travelling to London on several occasions courtesy of the Philharmonic Society, he presented his orchestral works and made his debut as a pianist in London with the English premiere of his E major concerto in May 1898.
Following his marriage to Cécile Chaminade's sister, Moszkowski settled in Paris in 1897, becoming affluent due to his music's widespread appeal. His teaching prowess was highly sought after, supporting budding musicians generously. Despite facing health issues around 1908 and personal tragedies later on, Moszkowski's musical tastes clashed with the dawn of the new century, fostering a reclusive lifestyle that thwarted his creative output. His declining popularity led to financial struggles as he spent his final years in poverty before passing away in Paris on March 4, 1925.
Renowned predominantly for his piano music, Moszkowski was noted for his shorter pieces, character works, waltzes, mazurkas, and etudes. His Fantasie "Hommage à Schumann" and Scherzo-Valse represent early and distinct examples of his compositional prowess, showcasing influences from Schumann and dedicated to notable musicians. Notably, his later works, composed between 1909 and 1911, illustrate a refined style marked by intricate harmonies, possibly influenced by his Parisian years, showcasing his evolution as a composer despite waning popularity.