Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ferruccio Busoni's piano compositions with this comprehensive album, released on March 8, 2010, by Warner Classics. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 28 minutes, this collection showcases Busoni's mastery of classical piano music, offering a diverse range of pieces that highlight his unique style and virtuosity.
The album opens with Busoni's monumental Piano Concerto Op. 39, presented in a 1989 digital remaster, followed by the evocative Berceuse Elégiaque Op.42. A significant portion of the album is dedicated to the Turandot Suite, Op.41 (1904), a suite of eight movements inspired by Carlo Gozzi's play "Turandot, Princess of China." This suite offers a rich tapestry of moods and themes, from the dramatic "Die Hinrichtung" to the delicate "Nächtlicher Walzer."
Also included are two studies from 'Doktor Faust' Op. 51, presented in a 1968 digital remaster, and the charming Sonatina ad usum infantis (Sonatina 3) (1916), a piece originally composed for the young American pianist Madeline M. The album concludes with a selection of shorter pieces, including Nine Variations on Chopin Prelude in C minor, Op.22, and the lively Sonatina No.6, a chamber fantasy on Bizet's 'Carmen.'
This album is a testament to Busoni's enduring influence on classical music, offering a rich and varied listening experience that is sure to delight fans of the genre. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Busoni's work or a newcomer to his music, this collection is a treasure trove of piano compositions that showcase the composer's genius and innovation.
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