Piano Concerto In E Major, Op. 59: III. Scherzo: Vivace
Piano Concerto In E Major, Op. 59: IV. Allegro deciso
From Foregin Lands, Op. 23: I. Russian - Allegretto
From Foreign Lands, Op. 23: II. Italian - Presto
From Foreign Lands, Op. 23: III. German - Andante
From Foreign Lands, Op. 23: IV. Spanish - Molto vivace
From Foreign Lands, Op. 23: V. Polish - Allegro con fuoco
From Foreign Lands, Op. 23: VI. Hungarian - Molto allegro
The Piano Concerto by Moritz Moszkowski (1854-1925), written for the great virtuoso Josef Hofmann, has everything you'd want to hear in a Romantic Concerto except for memorable themes and genius. That might seem like a lot... more » missing, but there's a lot left, too, especially the exciting virtuoso piano writing and the sparkling orchestration. If you don't insist on masterpieces all the time, this Concerto can be a lot of fun. Not so for the multinational suite, which is a group of rather feeble imitations of national styles. (The Hungarian finale sounds as much like a can-can as a csardas.) Pawlik plays with beautiful tone and plenty of impulse, and the orchestra and recording are first-rate. --Leslie Gerber« less
The Piano Concerto by Moritz Moszkowski (1854-1925), written for the great virtuoso Josef Hofmann, has everything you'd want to hear in a Romantic Concerto except for memorable themes and genius. That might seem like a lot missing, but there's a lot left, too, especially the exciting virtuoso piano writing and the sparkling orchestration. If you don't insist on masterpieces all the time, this Concerto can be a lot of fun. Not so for the multinational suite, which is a group of rather feeble imitations of national styles. (The Hungarian finale sounds as much like a can-can as a csardas.) Pawlik plays with beautiful tone and plenty of impulse, and the orchestra and recording are first-rate. --Leslie Gerber
CD Reviews
Bravo Moszkowski
Mike Shakinovsky | USA | 05/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Naxos has done it again. They have brought to the the listening room a very splendid recording of the Moszkowski piano concerto. Markus Pawlik caresses the keyboard to produce a soulfully lyrical rendering of this magnificent and seldom heard romantic gem. There are other recordings, i.e. with Michael Ponti (VOX), Piers Lane (Hyperion) et al, (which are also very good) however, pleasure and value for money, this is the one to buy. The CD also includes a little known work "From Foreign Lands", Op.23. Another success story by Moszkowski (and Naxos)!"
Inexpensive but wonderful addition to the catalog!
mahlerii@aol.com | Richfield, MN | 04/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those not wanting to invest in the Hyperion recording by Piers Lane of this wonderful work, this CD will do nicely. Although the performers sometimes go over-the-top in this recording, the music suits it perfectly. Bright and vivid recording. Pianist and orchestra are top-notch."
Fairly unknown romantic music redescovered
mahlerii@aol.com | 12/19/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This was a composer completely unknown to me and I was surprised to discover that romantic pianomusic is more than Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. Maybe there is not as many memorable tunes as there is in the more familiar music by the above mentioned, but it is confidently put together and orchestrated. The shorter dancepieces inspired by different countries are equally charming and enjoyable."
Moszkowski Rules!
Steven M. Beresford | Vancouver, WA | 12/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Moszkowski concerto is one the great treasures of the late Romantic period. It is basically a "crowd-pleaser", full of beautiful melodies and lush orchestration, designed to pack the concert halls and earn its talented composer a fortune. As one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century, Moszkowski proudly displays his super-virtuosity in vast runs and arpeggios, complex chord passages, and generally amazing feats of pianism that produces the "Wow!" effect and has the listener coming back for more. Moszkowski was a passionate Jew and the concerto contains some lovely Hasidic themes that give it an intriguing Eastern European flavor. The effect is brilliant, sparkling music full of joy and the celebration of life.
This new recording from Poland is on a par with the excellent recordings by Michael Ponti and Piers Lane and is well worth the price of admission.
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1