Oscar Levant, the renowned pianist and wit, brings you a captivating collection of popular modern pieces in "Oscar Levant Plays Popular Moderns." Released on August 24, 2018, under Sony Classical, this album is a testament to Levant's virtuosity and his unique ability to breathe new life into both classical and contemporary compositions.
Spanning a diverse range of styles and composers, the album features 30 tracks, each meticulously remastered to deliver an immersive listening experience. From the delicate nuances of Debussy's "Clair de lune" to the rhythmic energy of Ravel's "Golliwog's Cake-walk," Levant's interpretations are both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
The album also showcases Levant's affinity for Spanish-inspired music, with pieces like "Fire Dance" from "El amor brujo" and "Malagueña" from Suite "Andalucia" highlighting his ability to convey the passion and flair of these vibrant compositions. Additionally, the inclusion of Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major demonstrates Levant's mastery of the Baroque repertoire, offering a contrast to the more modern selections.
With a total duration of 58 minutes, "Oscar Levant Plays Popular Moderns" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Levant's musical prowess. Whether you're a longtime fan of Oscar Levant or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a delightful journey through some of the most beloved and enduring pieces of the 20th century.
(P) 2018 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
3 Preludes (Remastered): I. Allegro ben ritmato e decisoGeorge Gershwin, Oscar Levant
3 Preludes (Remastered): II. Andante con moto e poco rubatoGeorge Gershwin, Oscar Levant
3 Preludes (Remastered): III. Allegro ben ritmato e decisoGeorge Gershwin, Oscar Levant
Préludes, Livre 1, L. 117: V. Les collines d'Anacapri. Tres modéré (Remastered)Claude Debussy, Oscar Levant
Estampes, L. 100: III. Jardins sous la pluie - Net et vif (Remastered)Claude Debussy, Oscar Levant
Six Short Études, Op. 19 (Remastered): No. 1Valery Zhelobinsky, Oscar Levant
Six Short Études, Op. 19 (Remastered): No. 2Valery Zhelobinsky, Oscar Levant
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 2 in A Minor (Remastered)Dmitri Shostakovich, Oscar Levant
The Age of Gold - Suite, Op. 22a: III. Polka (Remastered)Dmitri Shostakovich, Oscar Levant
Sonatine, M. 40: II. Mouvement de menuet (Remastered)Maurice Ravel, Oscar Levant
Sonatina: I. Con ritmo (Remastered)Oscar Levant
Fire Dance (From "El amor brujo") [Remastered]Manuel de Falla, Oscar Levant
Malagueña (From Suite "Andalucia") [Remastered]Ernesto Lecuona, Oscar Levant
L'Eventail de Jeane - Pastourelle (Remastered)Francis Poulenc, Oscar Levant
Children's Corner, L. 113: 6. Golliwog's Cake-walk (Remastered)Claude Debussy, Oscar Levant
Préludes, Livre 1, L. 117: VIII. La fille aux cheveux de lin (Remastered)Claude Debussy, Oscar Levant
Suite bergamasque, L. 75: 3. Clair de lune (Remastered)Claude Debussy, Oscar Levant
Mouvements perpétuels, FP 14 (Remastered)Francis Poulenc, Oscar Levant
El sombrero de tres picos, Suite No. 2: Danza del molinero No. 2 (Remastered)Manuel de Falla, Oscar Levant
España, Op. 165: 2. Tango (Remastered)Isaac Albéniz, Oscar Levant
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: I. PraeludiumJohann Sebastian Bach, Oscar Levant
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Oscar Levant
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Oscar Levant
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: V. Menuet I & IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Oscar Levant
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: VI. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Oscar Levant