Pixis/Thalberg: Piano Concertos
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JOHANN PETER PIXIS / SIGISMOND THALBERG
Pixis/Thalberg: Piano Concertos
Howard Shelley (piano) / Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shelley (conductor)
[ Hyperion Romantic Piano Concertos Vol 58 / CD ]
Release Date: Thursday 1 November 2012
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This 58th volume of the Romantic Piano Concerto series presents two composer-pianists who contributed to Liszt's piano extravaganza Hexaméron (1837).
Thalberg (who would be celebrating his 200th birthday in 2012) famously took part in a pianistic 'duel' with Liszt, and was popularly acclaimed as the greatest pianist in the world during his lifetime. He only wrote one piano concerto, and that in his teens, but it is a brilliantly effective showpiece for virtuosity and stamina, the pianist's hands barely leaving the piano. Johann Peter Pixis has now been consigned-perhaps unfairly-to the oblivion where so many early 19th-century composers dwell. These are world premiere recordings of his charming Piano Concerto and Piano Concertino.
Howard Shelley, undisputed master of the music of the early Romantic period, directs the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra from the keyboard with his usual insouciance and poise.
'Howard Shelley gives us fine performances. There's exquisite filigree in the Pixis, while the Thalberg has swagger and panache' (The Guardian)
'The music is played with obvious affection and deep understanding, revealing to us, almost 200 years later, just what it was that attracted audiences of the late Georgian period. Nor … is any of the music entirely formulaic … throughout these three works, Shelley's elegance of phrasing and comprehensively musical technique are truly exceptional: cleverly, his dynamic range is judged to a nicety and the orchestral playing is remarkably fine throughout. The recorded sound is first-class in all respects. Jeremy Nicholas's notes are everything they should be-and more … truly, here is commerce in the service of art' (International Record Review)
Tracks:
Pixis:
Piano Concerto in C major, Op. 100
Piano Concertino in E flat major, Op. 68
Thalberg:
Piano Concerto in F minor, Op. 5
