Alkan: Early Works & Juvenilia

Description

This 7th instalment of the recording of the complete piano music by Charles-Valentin Alkan (1813-1888) by Mark Viner presents a collection of works under the title "Early Works & Juvenilia". The piano music of Charles-Valentin Alkan is fortunately gaining more and more recognition by today's general public. This eccentric pianist-composer lived the most part of his life in total reclusion, embittered by his lack of public success. He was a phenomenal pianist, the only pianist in whose presence the celebrated Franz Liszt was nervous to play! Alkan's piano works are of colossal substance and difficulty, earning him the nickname of "The Berlioz of the Piano". Even today only a handful of pianists can do justice to the fierce demands of his music. But it wouldn't be fair to let the technical difficulties distract the listener from his truly original, personal style, full of wit, energy and deep feelings." Presented here are several variation cycles and a Rondeau chromatique. These works are in the style of the early 19th century piano virtuosos, full of instrumental brilliance and glitter. However, we can already discern the budding genius of the later works in their eccentricity and experimental zest. "For the second disc in his gargantuan 17-CD project of recording all Alkan's music Mark Viner gives us the 25 Preludes with an exemplary musicianship and assurance...makes you eager for further issues from this outstanding and most enterprising pianist" (Bryce Morrison in International Piano). Viner's previous recording of the Alkan Etudes Op.35 (PCL10127) received 5 stars and CD of the Month in BBC Music Magazine as well as 5 stars in The Guardian ("Viner rises to Alkan's extraordinary challenges"). Grande Sonata Op.33 (PCL10209): '[Viner] can claim a place at the top table as one of the pre-eminent Alkan players de nos jours... a disc of piano playing out of the top drawer.' Gramophone.