Release Date: 01 October 1998
Label: Hyperion Records Ltd
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 034571170374
Genres: Classical Solo Instrumental
Description
It is a bit of a mystery why Saint-Saens's enjoyable etudes are not better known. Perhaps it is their extreme awkwardness which deters pianists—these works are prime examples of a peculiarly French school of finger technique which requires absolute independence and equality for each digit, making no concession whatsoever to the weaker fingers or the shape of the hand.
The Opp 52 and 111 sets of etudes each end with a barn-storming show-stopper, 'En forme de Valse' and 'Toccata d'après le 5e Concerto' respectively. The left-hand etudes are perhaps less demanding, but nonetheless require a particular clarity and precision, being in essence a pastiche Baroque suite.
The Thème Varie, fundamentally a compendium of pianistic challenges, was written as a test piece for the Paris Conservatoire.
Tracklisting
Roberto Prosseda, London Philharmonic Orchestra / Nir Kabaretti
The Brabant Ensemble / Stephen Rice
Steven Isserlis
The Nash Ensemble
MultiPiano Ensemble, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin / Ivor Bolton
Marc-Andre Hamelin
Marc-Andre Hamelin, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / Andrew Litton
Gothic Voices / Christopher Page
Piers Lane
Yvonne Kenny, Piers Lane
Piers Lane
Piers Lane
Piers Lane
Piers Lane
Piers Lane
Piers Lane
