Erik Bertsch - Benjamin: Complete Piano Works (2024) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Sortilèges
02. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: I. Spell
03. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: II. Knots
04. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: III. In the Mirror
05. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: IV. Interruptions
06. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: V. Song
07. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: VI. Hammers
08. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: VII. Alone
09. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: VIII. Mosaic
10. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: IX. Around the Corner
11. Piano Figures - Ten Short Pieces for Piano: X. Whirling
12. Olicantus
13. 3 Studies for Piano: I. Fantasy on Iambic Rhythm
14. 3 Studies for Piano: II. Meditation on Haydn's Name
15. 3 Studies for Piano: III. Relativity Rag
16. Shadowlines - Six Canonic Preludes for Piano: I. Cantabile
17. Shadowlines - Six Canonic Preludes for Piano: II. Wild
18. Shadowlines - Six Canonic Preludes for Piano: III. Scherzando
19. Shadowlines - Six Canonic Preludes for Piano: IV. Tempestoso
20. Shadowlines - Six Canonic Preludes for Piano: V. Very Freely - Faster but Calm - Spacious and Solemn
21. Shadowlines - Six Canonic Preludes for Piano: VI. Gently Flowing, Flexible
22. Piano Sonata: I. Vivace
23. Piano Sonata: II. Lento
24. Piano Sonata: III. Allegro Straziando

George Benjamin, born in 1960, stands as a luminary figure in contemporary British classical music, renowned for his innovative and evocative music. A composer whose sonic palette transcends conventional boundaries, Benjamin's compositions reveal a distinctive voice that seamlessly weaves together tradition and avant-garde elements, bridging the gap between intellectual rigor and emotional resonance. One of Benjamin's notable piano works is 'Shadowlines' (1979), a piece that showcases his early exploration of intricate textures and meticulous craftsmanship. The composition unfolds with a series of delicate, intertwined lines, creating a sonic tapestry that captivates the listener with its nuanced beauty. Moving forward in time, 'Piano Figures' (2006) marks a mature phase in Benjamin's exploration of the piano's possibilities. This composition exemplifies his mastery in creating sonic landscapes that are at once introspective and virtuosic. Benjamin's unique harmonic language and rhythmic complexity are palpable, creating a musical experience that challenges and engages the performer. The Piano Sonata can be considered Benjamin's first work. At the time seventeen-year-old Benjamin was in Paris, studying composition with Olivier Messiaen and piano with Yvonne Loriod. Born in the Netherlands and based in Italy, Erik Bertsch is a pianist who focuses his attention on contemporary repertoire with curiosity and spirit of research. His commitment to the music of our time has given him the opportunity to work intensively with established composers like George Benjamin, Marco Stroppa, Ivan Fedele, Fabio Vacchi, Alessandro Solbiati and Fabio Nieder. His debut album dedicated to Marco Stroppa's First Book of Miniature Estrose, was received with enthusiasm and unanimous praise by national and international critics, obtaining 5 stars and the recognition of Cd of the Month for Classic Voice and 5 stars for Diapason ('Erik Bertsch y deploie une electrisant virtuosite' Patrick Szersnovicz).

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