Eric Heidsieck, a name synonymous with virtuosity and elegance in the world of classical piano, presents his latest masterpiece, "The Sparkling Pianist." This extraordinary album, set to release on July 31, 2025, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, is a testament to Heidsieck's unparalleled artistry and his deep reverence for the classical piano repertoire.
Spanning a generous 3 hours and 11 minutes, "The Sparkling Pianist" is a comprehensive journey through the works of some of the most celebrated composers in history. The album features 52 meticulously selected tracks, each showcasing Heidsieck's technical brilliance and emotional depth. From the tempestuous sonatas of Beethoven to the delicate elegance of Fauré, and the intricate variations of Brahms, Heidsieck navigates the diverse landscapes of classical music with effortless grace.
The album opens with Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest," setting the stage for a performance that is as dramatic as it is introspective. Heidsieck's interpretation of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467, is a highlight, with the third movement's Allegro vivace assai showcasing his dazzling virtuosity. The inclusion of Handel's Keyboard Suites adds a touch of baroque sophistication, while the variations by composers like Mendelssohn and Brahms demonstrate Heidsieck's ability to bring out the intricate nuances of each piece.
Ravel's "Valses nobles et sentimentales" and "Ma mère l'Oye" provide a whimsical contrast, with Heidsieck's delicate touch bringing a sense of playfulness to these enchanting works. The album also features lesser-known gems, such as Roussel's "Sonatine pour piano" and Liszt's "Concerto pathétique," further showcasing Heidsieck's versatility and his commitment to exploring the full breadth of the piano repertoire.
Eric Heidsieck's "The Sparkling Pianist" is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of the piano's enduring legacy and the timeless beauty of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to be a captivating and enriching experience. Prepare to be enthralled by the sparkling brilliance of Eric Heidsieck's piano artistry.
Tracks
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: III. Allegro vivace assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 1, Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 428: II. FugaGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" from Die Zauberflöte in F Major, Op. 66: Variation ILudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck, Paul Tortelier
Couperin: Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin, Treizième ordre, Les folies françoises ou Les dominos: XII. La Frénésie ou le désespoir, sous le domino noirFrançois Couperin, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: ThemeJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck
Couperin: Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin, Treizième ordre, Les folies françoises ou Les dominos: V. La Fidélité, sous le domino bleuFrançois Couperin, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 4, Assez animéMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus in G Major, WoO 45: Theme. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck, Paul Tortelier
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Couperin: Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin, Treizième ordre, Les folies françoises ou Les dominos: I. La Virginité, sous le domino couleur d'invisibleFrançois Couperin, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Theme and Variations in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 73: Variation XGabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XIIIJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 1, Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 428: I. PraeludiumGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 1, ModéréMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 2, Suite No. 16 in G Major, HWV 441: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormantMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 2, Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 436: IV. GigueGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Theme and Variations in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 73: ThemeGabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: III. Allegro assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 2, Suite No. 16 in G Major, HWV 441: VII. GigueGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 2, Assez lentMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: 7 Variations on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" from The Magic Flute in E-Flat Major, WoO 46: Variation VILudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck, Paul Tortelier
Fauré: Papillon, Op. 77Gabriel Fauré, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": II. Scherzo. Assai vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Debussy: Estampes, CD 108, L. 100: No. 3, Jardins sous la pluieClaude Debussy, Eric Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 1, Suite No. 4 in E Minor, HWV 429: I. FugaGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: IV. Les entretiens de la Belle et de la BêteMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Liszt: Concerto pathétique, S. 258: IV. Andante, quasi marcia funebreFranz Liszt, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 1 in F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: II. Rondo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: I. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. (a) Adagio sostenuto ed espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491: III. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 8, Épilogue. LentMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: FugueJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Nocturne No. 2 in B Major, Op. 33 No. 2Gabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124: I. Allegro maestosoFranz Liszt, Eric Heidsieck, Pierre Dervaux, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
Roussel: Sonatine pour piano, Op. 16: I. Modéré - Vif et très légerAlbert Roussel, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69: II. ScherzoLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor Op. 57 "Appassionata": II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: I. OndineMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Élégie, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux": I. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Sonata for 2 Pianos in F Minor, Op. 34b: III. Scherzo. AllegroJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Fauré: Nocturne No. 1 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 33 No. 1Gabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
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