Dive into the world of virtuoso pianism with Marc-André Hamelin's captivating album, "The Composer-Pianists: Alkan, Busoni, Godowsky, Medtner, Rachmaninoff etc." Released in 1998, this remarkable collection showcases Hamelin's extraordinary technical prowess and artistic sensitivity, as he navigates a diverse range of compositions by some of the most formidable composer-pianists in history.
Spanning a little over an hour, this album is a testament to Hamelin's versatility and depth as a pianist. He effortlessly transitions from the virtuosic etudes of Godowsky and Chopin to the intricate and demanding works of Alkan and Feinberg. The album opens with Charles-Valentin Alkan's exhilarating "Toccata in G-Flat Major, Op. 13," setting the stage for a journey through the complex and often underappreciated repertoire of these composer-pianists.
Hamelin's interpretations are marked by a keen understanding of each composer's unique style and a remarkable ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties in every piece. Whether he's tackling the lyrical beauty of Rachmaninoff's "Moments musicaux" or the technical fireworks of Scriabin's "Etudes-tableaux," Hamelin's playing is always engaging and insightful.
The album features a mix of well-known works and hidden gems, providing a comprehensive overview of the composer-pianist tradition. From the hauntingly beautiful "Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter" by Bach, arranged by Feinberg, to the playful "Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Hob. I:94 'Surprise'" by Haydn, arranged by Alkan, each piece is a testament to the rich and varied legacy of these composer-pianists.
Hamelin's performance is supported by the excellent recording quality, which captures the full range of the piano's dynamics and the pianist's expressive playing. The album is a delight for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre, offering a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of composer-pianists through the lens of one of today's most accomplished interpreters.
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