The Muse

Nino Gvetadze

Regular: £13.99

Sale
Regular: £13.99

Unavailable

Unit Price: per

Cat No: CC72970

Release Date: 01 December 2023

Label: C-Avi

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 0608917297027

Genres: Classical Solo Instrumental

Description

The year 1860 represented a turning-point in Brahms's life: he issued a 'Manifesto' in which he distanced himself from the Romanticism of the 'New German School' epitomised by Liszt and their association with Wagner's music-dramas. This aesthetic change of heart placed an emphasis on hard work and craftsmanship rather than the more Romantic conception of inspiration, with Brahms taking a particular pride in being both German and a self-made man. This ethos is reflected in the Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24. Brahms's two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 were composed in 1879 and were dedicated to his friend Elisabet von Herzogenberg. The title may lull the listener into a false sense of whimsy, when in reality these pieces are founded on clear structural designs. Three Intermezzos Op. 117: Brahms wrote of these three Intermezzos to his friend Rudolf von der Leyen, describing them as 'Wiegenlieder meiner Schmerzen': 'lullabies of my sorrow'. Each has the character of a soliloquy or introspective personal reflection.

Nino Gvetadze: Through his life, Brahms was influenced by those he admired: the musicians he idolized, and the women with whom he formed powerful bonds. Clara Schumann represented both, and Nino Gvetadze explores their fascinating dynamic in The Muse. Brahms's Two Rhapsodies Op. 79 were dedicated to Elisabet von Herzogenberg, whose loss he mourned in the Intermezzos Op. 117; and he was inspired by Handel to write a phenomenal set of Variations dedicated to Clara Schumann - whose Op. 21 Romances date from a time that neither she nor Brahms would ever forget."

"What Gvetadze presents is Brahms of terrific character and life certainly, but imbued with an almost Mendelssohnian lightness, clarity and delicacy. […] Gvetadzs avoids any sense of heaviness with playing of Mozartian transparency and pellucid tone." – International Piano

"Overall, if you are either new to Brahms' piano music, or like listening to a varied single composer program, then this release can be recommended with confidence." – Classical Music Sentinel

"The artistry and technique evinced in her Schumann are equally evident here: I particularly enjoyed her Handel Variations, whose narrative arc comes across very strongly, with an emphasis on subtlety." – Gramophone
Tracklisting