Dive into the extraordinary world of Charles-Valentin Alkan with "Genius-Enigma," a monumental 3-CD collection released by Piano Classics in 2015. Spanning an impressive 3 hours and 38 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Alkan's virtuosic piano compositions, performed by the acclaimed pianist Vincenzo Maltempo.
Alkan, often hailed as one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century, was a composer whose works were largely overlooked during his lifetime. This collection shines a spotlight on his genius, featuring a diverse range of pieces that showcase his technical brilliance and innovative spirit. From the intricate Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 to the dramatic Grande sonate "Les quatre âges," Op. 33, each track offers a unique insight into Alkan's musical prowess.
The album includes a variety of genres and styles, from the playful and whimsical to the deeply introspective. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful Trois morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15, and the technically demanding 3 Grandes études, Op. 76. The Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61, adds a touch of elegance and refinement to the collection.
Vincenzo Maltempo's performances are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of Alkan's compositions with precision and passion. His mastery of the piano brings these works to life, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Alkan's music or a newcomer to his works, "Genius-Enigma" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: I. Comme le vent, prestissiamente in A MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: II. En rhytme molossique, risoluto in D MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: III. Scherzo diabolico, prestissimo in G MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: IV. Allegro moderato in C MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: V. Marche funèbre, andantino in F MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: VI. Menuet, tempo di minuetto in B-Flat MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 1-7: VII. Finale, Presto in E-Flat MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Trois morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15: I. Aime-moiCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Trois morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15: II. Le ventCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Trois morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15: III. MorteCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 8-12: VIII. Allegro assai in G-Sharp MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 8-12: IV. Adagio in C-Sharp MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 8-12: X. Allegretto alla barbaresca in F-Sharp MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 8-12: XI. Ouverture. Maestoso in B MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Ètudes dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39 Nos. 8-12: XI. Le festin d'Èscope. Allegretto senza licenza quantunque in E MinorCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Grande sonate "Les quatre âges", Op. 33: I. "20 ans" (Très vite)Charles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Grande sonate "Les quatre âges", Op. 33: II. "30 ans: Quasi faust" (Assez vite)Charles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Grande sonate "Les quatre âges", Op. 33: III. "40 ans": Un heureux ménage" (Lentement)Charles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Grande sonate "Les quatre âges", Op. 33: IV. "50 ans: Prométhée enchaîné" (Assez lentement)Charles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: I. Allegro vivaceCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: II. AllegramenteCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: III. Scherzo-MenuettoCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: IV. Tempo giustoCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
3 Grandes études, Op. 76: No. 3, movement semblable et perpétuelCharles-Valentin Alkan, Vincenzo Maltempo
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