Piers Lane, the acclaimed Australian pianist, invites you into a world of rhythm and grace with his latest album, "Piers Lane Goes to Town Again: Aspects of the Dance." Released on May 5, 2023, under the Hyperion label, this classical masterpiece spans a captivating 82 minutes, offering a diverse collection of dances and character pieces that showcase Lane's virtuosity and versatility.
The album is a delightful journey through various dance forms and styles, from the elegant and stately to the lively and playful. It begins with a Keyboard Suite in E Minor, a collection of dances from the Baroque era, including an Air tendre, Courante, Allemande, Sarabande, and Gigue. These pieces, with their intricate melodies and harmonies, provide a solid foundation for the album's exploration of dance music.
Lane then moves on to the romantic and expressive world of Chopin's 20 Mazurkas, Op. 50, offering a glimpse into the composer's nationalistic pride and musical innovation. The album continues with a selection of German Dances by Schubert, showcasing the composer's ability to create memorable melodies and lively rhythms.
The second half of the album features a variety of dances and character pieces from different composers and periods. From the sentimental waltzes of Schubert to the fiery passion of Granados' "Danse barbaro," from the playful "Railroad Rhythm" to the nostalgic "Années de Pèlerinage II, Supplément (Venezia et Napoli)," Lane's interpretations are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
The album concludes with a beautiful arrangement of Bach's Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, showcasing Lane's ability to adapt and interpret music from different instruments and genres. Throughout the album, Lane's playing is characterized by its precision, expressiveness, and sensitivity to the music's historical and cultural context.
"Piers Lane Goes to Town Again: Aspects of the Dance" is a testament to Lane's artistry and his deep love for dance music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Keyboard Suite in E Minor: I. Air tendreJohn Loeillet, Piers Lane
Keyboard Suite in E Minor: II. CouranteJohn Loeillet, Piers Lane
Keyboard Suite in E Minor: III. AllemandeJohn Loeillet, Piers Lane
Keyboard Suite in E Minor: IV. SarabandeJohn Loeillet, Piers Lane
Keyboard Suite in E Minor: V. GigueJohn Loeillet, Piers Lane
20 Mazurkas, Op. 50: No. 1, Sostenuto. Molto rubatoKarol Szymanowski, Piers Lane
20 Mazurkas, Op. 50: No. 2, Allegramente. Poco vivaceKarol Szymanowski, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 1 in A MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 2 in D MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 3 in B-Flat MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 4 in G MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 5 in B MinorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
12 Ländler, D. 790: No. 3 in D MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 6 in B-Flat MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 7 in B-Flat MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
34 Valses sentimentales, D. 779: No. 27 in E-Flat MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
34 Valses sentimentales, D. 779: No. 1 in C MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
34 Valses sentimentales, D. 779: No. 2 in C MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
16 German Dances, D. 783: No. 10 in A MinorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
34 Valses sentimentales, D. 779: No. 13 in A MajorFranz Schubert, Piers Lane
Danse barbaroTim K. Murray, Piers Lane
A Slinky Foxtrot "Nocturne"Robert Constable, Piers Lane
Années de Pèlerinage II, Supplément (Venezia et Napoli), S. 162: III. TarantellaFranz Liszt, Piers Lane
Habaneras "An Operatic Paraphrase"Mark Saya, Piers Lane
Cantos de España, Op. 232: V. SeguidillasIsaac Albéniz, Piers Lane
Fantasie-MazurkaAlan Charlton, Piers Lane
Rosamunde, D. 797: Ballet Music (Arr. Godowsky)Franz Schubert, Piers Lane
Mazurka No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 54Benjamin Godard, Piers Lane
8 Russian Folk Songs, Op. 58: IV. Humorous Song "I Danced with a Mosquito" (Version for Piano)Anatoly Lyadov, Piers Lane
Railroad RhythmBilly Mayerl, Piers Lane
Black and White Rag (Arr. Atwell)George Botsford, Piers Lane
La tartine de beurre "Das Butterbrot" (Formerly Attrib. Mozart as K. Anh. C.27.09)Anonymous, Piers Lane
Illuminations: II. … la tristesse amoureuse de la nuitByron Adams, Piers Lane
Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: IV. Sarabande (Arr. Jacobson for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Piers Lane
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