Embark on a captivating journey through time and across borders with Alessio Bax's forthcoming album, "Forgotten Dances," set to release on September 6, 2024, under Signum Records. This exquisite collection of classical piano pieces is a testament to Bax's virtuosity and his deep connection with the music he performs.
The album opens with Bach's English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807, a Baroque masterpiece that showcases Bax's technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The suite's intricate movements, from the majestic Prélude to the lively Gigue, are rendered with clarity and precision.
Bax then takes us on a journey through Central Europe with Bartók's Tanz-Suite, Sz. 77, BB 86b. This suite, originally composed for piano and later orchestrated by the composer, is a vibrant display of folk-inspired melodies and rhythms. Bax's interpretation brings out the suite's lively character and intricate details.
The album also features works by Spanish composers, including Manuel de Falla's "El sombrero de tres picos" and Isaac Albéniz's "España," Op. 165. These pieces, arranged for piano by Alessio Bax and other renowned pianists, highlight the passion and intensity of Spanish music.
Bax's rendition of Ravel's "La valse," arranged for piano by the composer and Alessio Bax, is a standout track. This piece, a whirlwind of waltzes and dissonances, is a testament to Bax's ability to convey the full range of human emotions through music.
The album concludes with a selection of short pieces, including Rachmaninoff's arrangement of Bach's Gavotte en rondeau and Brahms's Hungarian Dance No. 6, arranged by György Cziffra. These pieces, while brief, are no less impactful, showcasing Bax's ability to bring out the beauty and depth in even the shortest of compositions.
"Forgotten Dances" is not just an album, but a journey through time and space, a testament to the enduring power of classical music, and a celebration of the piano's versatility. With Alessio Bax at the helm, this album is a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast.
