Rudolf Firkusny's self-titled album, released on January 1, 2000, under the Vox Box label, is a comprehensive collection of classical piano works that showcases the artist's technical prowess and interpretive depth. Spanning over two and a half hours, this album is a testament to Firkusny's enduring legacy as one of the most distinguished pianists of the 20th century.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, including sonatas, impromptus, mazurkas, and dances, all performed with Firkusny's characteristic precision and expressive nuance. Highlights include the expansive Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation," a work that demands both technical virtuosity and emotional depth, and the charming 8 Humoresques, Op. 101, which display Firkusny's ability to convey a wide range of moods and characters.
Fans of classical piano will appreciate the inclusion of lesser-known works, such as the 6 Eclogues, Op. 51 and the Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, which offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Firkusny's repertoire. The album also features the lively Czech Dances, Book 2, which showcase Firkusny's affinity for folk-inspired melodies and rhythms.
Throughout the album, Firkusny's playing is marked by a sense of elegance and refinement, as well as a deep understanding of the composers' intentions. His interpretations are both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Rudolf Firkusny or a newcomer to his artistry, this album is sure to impress with its breadth, depth, and sheer musicality.
2000 Vox Box2000 Vox Box
Tracks
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": I. Allegro moderato ma energicoJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": II. Tempo di minuetto con motoJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": III. Adagio non troppo ma solenneJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": IV. Rondo. Allegro moderatoJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Sammlung vermischter Clavier- und GesangstĂĽcke, Book 2: Keyboard Sonata in A MinorJiřà AntonĂn Benda, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 4 in A MajorJan Václav VorĂsek, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Eclogues, Op. 51: No. 22 in F MajorVáclav Jan Krtitel Tomásek, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 1 in E-Flat Minor. VivaceAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 2 in B Major. Poco andanteAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 3 in A-Flat Major. Poco andante e molto cantabileAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 4 in F Major. Poco andanteAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 5 in A Minor. VivaceAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 6 in B Major. Poco allegrettoAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 7 in G-Flat Major. Poco lento e graziosoAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 8 in B-Flat Minor. Poco andanteAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 1 in A-Flat Major. Allegro non tantoAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 2 in C Major. Vivo e risolutoAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 3 in B-Flat Major. AllegroAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 4 in D Minor. Lento, ma non troppoAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 5 in F Major. Allegro non troppoAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 6 in B Minor. AllegroAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 7, VivaceAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 1, FuriantBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 2, SlepičkaBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 3, OvesBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 4, MedvědBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 5, CibuličkaBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 6, DupákBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 7, HulánBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 8, ObkrocákBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 9, SousedskáBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 10, SkocnáBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Theme & Variations in A-Flat Major, Op. 36, B. 65AntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, B. 161: No. 3, At the Old CastleAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, B. 161: No. 6, ReverieAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, B. 161: No. 9, SerenadeAntonĂn Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny