 | This is my post from this week's Tuesday Blog. |
Felix Mendelssohn was a virtuoso pianist, and it worth remembering that he was born in 1809, with his friend Schumann being born a year later in 1810, as was Chopin, and Liszt following in 1811. These composers were among the greatest pianists of the 19th century, and they were born at a time when the piano was a relatively modern instrument, and composers such as Hummel, Moscheles (Mendelssohn’s friend), Kalkbrenner and Ries were accorded adulation similar to pop stars today. Beethoven commenced his career in the 1790s as a virtuoso pianist.No surprise then that the young Mendelssohn composed extensively for his chosen instrument from the outset. From early concertos and sonatas he quickly established his ‘mature’ style in works such as the Rondo capriccioso, and the Andante cantabile e Presto agitato. The masterpieces that followed include the famous Songs without Words. On this recording, these piano 'songs' are played by Dutch pianist Frank van der Laar.
We will deploy this share on our podcasting channel over 2 episodes, May 3rd and 4th). Happy Listening!
Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY (1809-1847)
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words)
Songs without Words, Book 1, Op.19b
Songs without Words, Book 2, Op.30
Songs without Words, Book 3, Op.38
Songs without Words, Book 4, Op.53
Songs without Words, Book 5, Op.62
Songs without Words, Book 6, Op.67
Songs without Words, Book 7, Op.85
Songs without Words, Book 8, Op.102
Frank van de Laar, piano
Brilliant Classics 93833
Release November 2007
Archive Page - https://archive.org/details/1-19-book-iv-op.-53
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