Ignaz Friedman - Piano Works (Michael Schäfer)

Information

Composer: Ignaz Friedman

• Theme Varie, Op. 30
• 3 Intermezzi, Op. 31: No. 1. Andante, molto espressivo
• Passacaglia, Op. 44
• 2 Mazurkas, Op. 49
• Polnische lyrik I, Op. 53
• Polnische lyrik II, Op. 60
• Ballade, Op. 66
• Polnische lyrik III, Op. 72
• Stimmungen, Op. 79
• 8 Preludes, Op. 80
• 5 Morceaux, Op. 81: No. 4. Mirage
• 6 Mazurkas, Op. 85

Michael Schäfer, piano

Date: 2009

Label: Genuin

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Description

Throughout his career legendary piano virtuoso Ignaz Friedman (1882-1948) served up delicacies and entrées wherever he performed, both on the concert podium and in the studio. The miniatures and larger selections featured on this recording are perfectly seasoned for the discriminating musical palate. This repertoire sets a high technical standard while evoking “longing and beauty.” The technical brilliance of ever-curious Michael Schäfer, who has already presented many rarely heard selections in GENUIN’s Un!erhört series, make these fin de siècle delicacies seem like they were composed just for him, his interpretation of the literature fitting like a glove, each track a joy to listen to. We recommend having a glass of 10-year-old, full-bodied red wine while listening ...

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Ignaz Friedman (13 February 1882 – 26 January 1948) was a Polish pianist, composer and teacher. Born near Kraków, he studied under Hugo Riemann and Theodor Leschetizky and participated in Busoni's master classes. His 1904 Vienna début established him as a major virtuoso, and he eventually gave around 2,800 concerts worldwide. Friedman's playing was celebrated for its rhythmic freedom, rich tone, dramatic contrasts and imaginative phrasing, though later critics sometimes viewed his Romantic style as old-fashioned. He composed over 90 works and arranged many works, especially those of Bach and Scarlatti.

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Michael Schäfer, known for his versatility as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist, performs widely across Europe, Asia and Africa. A professor of piano at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München since age 31, he has mentored many prize-winning students and serves as a juror at international competitions. Schäfer is especially dedicated to reviving neglected composers, with acclaimed CD recordings that have earned honors such as the Diapason d'Or. His discography includes works by d'Indy, Friedman, Charpentier and others. He also performs in the piano trio Then-Bergh – Yang – Schäfer.

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