Release Date: 01 September 2004
Label: Hyperion Records Ltd
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 034571174785
Genres: Classical Solo Instrumental
Description
âAn American composer, bon Dieu!â
With this strapline Hyperion issued what was expected to be a one-off disc of Gottschalk. Over the course of the succeeding decade popular success has developed the project into the first complete recording of the composerâs output for solo pianoânow well on its way to completion with the release of this seventh volume.
Ever the opportunist, Gottschalk wrote several of the more âcrowd-pleasingâ miniatures on this disc under the pseudonym of âSeven Octavesâ, even dedicating one of them to âTo my dear friend L.M.Gottschalkâ! But the works professional pride may have persuaded him to disown at the time have inevitably become favourites with posterity. The closing piece of this recital, God save the Queen, further betrays the hand of the master-entertainer: a tune popular across America (to a variety of texts including âGod save Americaâ, âGod save George Washingtonâ and, latterly, âMy country, âtis of theeâ) and the national anthem of at least eight European states at the time, Gottschalk found in his idiosyncratic arrangement the most appealing of travelling companions.
All of the music on this album is also available as part of the specially priced box set Gottschalk: The Complete Solo Piano Music: âThere are some fine Gottschalk albums out there, but Martinâs is the only complete survey of the composerâs works for solo piano. Not only that, he has a unique affinity for this music that shines through in every bar ⦠Martin reminds us just how consistently assured and interesting Gottschalkâs keyboard writing really is. Indeed, thatâs why I found it so easy to listen to all 109 tracks in a single day. Sensitively planned and lovingly played, this set contains some of the most varied and enchanting piano sounds imaginable ⦠a must-buy for pianophiles and LMG fans alikeâ (MusicWeb International).
Tracklisting
Mishka Rushdie Momen
The Gesualdo Six / Owain Park
Takacs Quartet
Simon Callaghan, Sinfonieorchester St Gallen
Cinquecento
Andrey Gugnin
El Leon de Oro / Peter Phillips
Piers Lane
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
