Ernő Dohnányi - Piano Music Vol. 3 (Martin Roscoe)

Information

Composer: Ernő Dohnányi

• Ruralia hungarica, Op. 32a
• Variations on a Hungarian Folksong, Op. 29
• 3 Pieces, Op. 23
• Gavotte and Musette
• Naila Waltz (after Léo Delibes, from La source, ou Naila)
• 2 Waltzes of Johann Strauss

Martin Roscoe, piano

Date: 2015

Label: Hyperion

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Review

This is the third volume of Martin Roscoe’s complete Dohnányi solo piano music cycle, and with a superb disc of the two piano concertos (hopefully the Variations on a Nursery Theme will follow), to say nothing for an early disc of the two piano quintets, there is a wealth of material to delight and consider.

Dohnányi’s legendary status as a pianist, teacher and composer is confirmed not only in Roscoe’s wide-ranging programme but in performances as commanding and warm-hearted as you could wish. His most substantial offering is the Ruralia hungarica, which later appeared in a variety of forms (I recall a performance for violin and piano by Alfred Campoli). A seven-movement accumulation of Hungarian melodies and ideas, it vividly contrasts gentle musings with vigorous virtuoso ripostes. The fifth movement, of ‘rustic simplicity, delicacy and tenderness’, reminds you of how so many of Dohnányi’s piano works can cut down into teasing and affectionate encores.

The Variations on a Hungarian Theme should never have been allowed to slip out of the repertoire and the three waltz paraphrases are delicious confections, spun off by Roscoe in relaxed rather than pressured style. Here he allows you your own space, never forcing the issue, though he ends Du und Du in a blaze of ballroom light. Superb sound and presentation make this a delectable disc.

— Bryce Morrison

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Ernő Dohnányi (27 July 1877 – 9 February 1960) was a Hungarian composer, pianist and conductor. Dohnányi studied in Budapest at the Royal Academy of Music. As a pianist he traveled widely and established a reputation as one of the best performers of his day. In 1948 he left Hungary as a political exile and became a U.S. citizen in 1955. Dohnányi's music, which was chiefly influenced by Johannes Brahms, was late Romantic and conservative in style, and after 1910 he occupied only a minor place among contemporary Hungarian composers. His works include three symphonies, a ballet, three operas, and chamber works.

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Martin Roscoe (born 3 August 1952) is an English classical pianist. Born in Halton, Runcorn, Cheshire, he studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music with Gordon Green and Marjorie Clementi. Roscoe has played as a soloist under many of the world's leading conductors, and also gives regular recitals at the Wigmore Hall. He has an international reputation and has played in many countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, South America, Australia, USA and France. Roscoe has taught at the Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

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