Tansman: Works for Solo Piano

Immerse yourself in the rich, diverse world of Alexandre Tansman's piano compositions with the album "Tansman: Works for Solo Piano," performed by the accomplished Margaret Fingerhut. Released on June 1, 2009, under the Chandos label, this studio-recorded collection offers a comprehensive exploration of Tansman's solo piano repertoire, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Alexandre Tansman, a prolific composer and pianist, created nearly 100 works for piano throughout his career, encompassing a wide range of forms such as sonatas, sonatinas, ballades, mazurkas, preludes, suites, and character pieces. This album showcases a selection of his most captivating compositions, including the "Recueil de Mazurkas," "Sonata rustica," "Sonatine No. 3," "Trois Preludes en forme de Blues," "Quatre Nocturnes," and the "Album des amis."

The "Recueil de Mazurkas" presents a series of nine mazurkas, each with its unique character and tempo, reflecting the traditional Polish dance forms that influenced Tansman's work. The "Sonata rustica" and "Sonatine No. 3" offer a glimpse into Tansman's ability to craft engaging, multi-movement works that balance technical demands with expressive depth. The "Trois Preludes en forme de Blues" and "Quatre Nocturnes" demonstrate Tansman's versatility, blending elements of jazz and classical music in the preludes and evoking a sense of tranquility and introspection in the nocturnes.

The "Album des amis" is a particularly charming component of this collection, featuring nine pieces dedicated to Tansman's friends and colleagues. Each piece offers a unique musical portrait, reflecting the composer's personal connections and the diverse influences that shaped his work.

Margaret Fingerhut's masterful performance brings Tansman's compositions to life, showcasing her technical prowess and interpretive sensitivity. Her playing captures the essence of each piece, from the lively rhythms of the mazurkas to the delicate nuances of the nocturnes.

"Tansman: Works for Solo Piano" is an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a captivating journey through the piano works of Alexandre Tansman. Whether you are familiar with Tansman's music or discovering it for the first time, this album provides a rich and rewarding listening experience.