Immerse yourself in the intricate and captivating world of Ferruccio Busoni with this comprehensive collection of his works, released on Warner Classics. This album is a testament to Busoni's virtuosity and innovation, spanning a variety of compositions that showcase his unique blend of classical tradition and modern experimentation.
The centerpiece of the album is Busoni's Piano Concerto Op. 39, presented in a 1989 digital remaster that brings out the full richness and depth of the composition. The concerto is a journey in itself, with five distinct movements that range from the playful "Pezzo giocoso" to the solemn "Pezzo serioso" and the lively "All'italiana (Tarantella)." The inclusion of a male chorus in the "Cantico" adds a dramatic and haunting dimension to the piece.
Also featured is the Turandot Suite, Op. 41, inspired by the Chinese legend of Princess Turandot. This suite is a vivid and colorful exploration of the story, with movements like "Die Hinrichtung" and "Altoum. Marsch" that evoke the drama and exoticism of the tale. The suite also includes the enchanting "Nächtlicher Walzer" and the dramatic "In modo di marcia funebre e Finale alla Turca."
The album also includes a selection of Busoni's smaller works, such as the delicate and introspective "Berceuse Elégiaque Op. 42" and the playful "Sonatina ad usum infantis (Sonatina 3)." These pieces offer a glimpse into Busoni's versatility and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods.
With a total duration of 2 hours and 28 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding exploration of Busoni's music. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical piano or a newcomer to Busoni's work, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
Piano Concerto Op. 39 (1989 Digital Remaster): I. Prologo e introitoFerruccio Busoni, John Ogdon, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto Op. 39 (1989 Digital Remaster): II. Pezzo giocosoFerruccio Busoni, John Ogdon, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto Op. 39 (1989 Digital Remaster): III. Pezzo serioso (Introductio - Prima pars - Altera pars - Ultima pars)Ferruccio Busoni, John Ogdon, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto Op. 39 (1989 Digital Remaster): IV. All'italiana (Tarantella)Ferruccio Busoni, John Ogdon, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto Op. 39 (1989 Digital Remaster): V. Cantico [with male chorus]Ferruccio Busoni, John Ogdon, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Berceuse Elégiaque Op.42Ferruccio Busoni, New Philharmonia Orchestra/Frederik Prausnitz, Frederik Prausnitz, Frederik Prausnitz (William), New Philharmonia Orchestra
Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904): I. Die Hinrichtung, das Stadttor, der AbscheidFerruccio Busoni, Riccardo Muti/Filarmonica della Scala, Riccardo Muti, Filarmonica della Scala
Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904): II. Truffaldino (Introduzione e Marcia grotesca)Ferruccio Busoni, Riccardo Muti/Filarmonica della Scala, Riccardo Muti, Filarmonica della Scala
Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904): III. Altoum. MarschFerruccio Busoni, Riccardo Muti/Filarmonica della Scala, Riccardo Muti, Filarmonica della Scala
Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904): V. Das FrauengemachFerruccio Busoni, Riccardo Muti/Filarmonica della Scala, Riccardo Muti, Filarmonica della Scala
Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904): VII. Nächtlicher WalzerFerruccio Busoni, Riccardo Muti/Filarmonica della Scala, Riccardo Muti, Filarmonica della Scala
Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904): VIII. In modo di marcia funebre e Finale alla TurcaFerruccio Busoni, Riccardo Muti/Filarmonica della Scala, Riccardo Muti, Filarmonica della Scala
2 Studies from 'Doktor Faust' Op. 51 (1968 Digital Remaster): SarabandeFerruccio Busoni, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Daniell Revenaugh, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
2 Studies from 'Doktor Faust' Op. 51 (1968 Digital Remaster): CortègeFerruccio Busoni, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Daniell Revenaugh, Daniell Revenaugh, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sonatina ad usum infantis (Sonatina 3) (1916): Molto tranquilloFerruccio Busoni, Thomas Adès
Sonatina ad usum infantis (Sonatina 3) (1916): Andantino melancolicoFerruccio Busoni, Thomas Adès
Busoni: Piano Sonatina No. 3 "Ad usum infantis Madeline M.* Americanae": III. Vivace, alla marciaFerruccio Busoni, Thomas Adès
Sonatina ad usum infantis (Sonatina 3) (1916): Molto tranquilloFerruccio Busoni, Thomas Adès
Sonatina ad usum infantis (Sonatina 3) (1916): Polonaise (un poco cerimonioso)Ferruccio Busoni, Thomas Adès
Nine Variations on Chopin Prelude in C minor, Op.22Ferruccio Busoni, John Ogdon
Turandots Frauengemach (Intermezzo) (No.4 of 'Elegies')Ferruccio Busoni, John Ogdon
Sonatina No.6 (Chamber fantasy on Bizet's 'Carmen')Ferruccio Busoni, John Ogdon