Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Joachim Raff's piano four-hands sonatas, a collection of intricate and expressive works that showcase the composer's unique musical language. Released on November 4, 2022, by Sterling, this album presents two complete sonatas: the Piano Four-Hands Sonata in E Minor, Op. 73b, and the Piano Four-Hands Sonata in A Major, Op. 90b. Spanning a total of 69 minutes, these sonatas are a testament to Raff's mastery of form and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.
The E Minor Sonata, Op. 73b, opens with a movement marked "Bewegt, mit elegischem Pathos," setting the stage for a journey through contrasting moods and tempos. The second movement, "Sehr rasch und fein," is a whirlwind of rapid, delicate passages, while the third movement, "Nicht zu langsam," offers a moment of introspection. The sonata concludes with a powerful final movement, "Bewegt, sehr bestimmt," leaving the listener in awe of Raff's compositional prowess.
The A Major Sonata, Op. 90b, begins with a movement titled "Rasch, jedoch ruhig," which sets a lively yet serene tone. The second movement, "Rondo. Rasch," is a playful and energetic dance, while the third movement, "Langsam, doch nicht schleppend," provides a moment of quiet reflection. The sonata concludes with a final movement, "Rasch," that brings the work to a thrilling and satisfying close.
Joachim Raff, a German-Swiss composer, conductor, and pianist of the 19th century, was a contemporary of Liszt and Brahms. His works, often overshadowed by his more famous peers, are now gaining recognition for their inventive harmonies, rich textures, and expressive depth. This album offers a rare opportunity to explore Raff's piano four-hands repertoire, performed with skill and sensitivity by an unnamed duo. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
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