Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christoph König - Henryk Melcer-Szczawinski: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto 44) (2008)

Tracklist

01. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor: I. Maestoso
02. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor: II. Andantino
03. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor: III. Vivo ma non troppo e poi molto accelerando
04. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor: I. Allegro moderato
05. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor: II. Andante non troppo lento
06. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor: III. Allegro con fuoco

Hyperion’s celebrated Romantic Piano Concerto series reaches volume 44. This disc includes two prize-winning concertos written in the 1890s by the Polish composer-pianist Henryk Melcer.

The first is written in the style of Liszt and Chopin, and is notable particularly for its thrilling finale which is marked by its strong Polish character: starting as a mazurka, the accelerando through the movement increases the excitement of the piece, giving it the frenzy of a kujawiak or oberek.

The second concerto was also appreciated by contemporary critics for its imaginative use of Polish themes: one reviewer writes of ‘themes full of expression in Polish character that are developed so splendidly and broadly that they leave us enraptured … an unforgettable impression remains after hearing the Concerto’. This work demands particular technical virtuosity, versatility and stamina on the part of the pianist, who is playing almost continuously.

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