Franz Schmidt - Schmidt: Works for Piano Left Hand and Orchestra (LP)

Franz Schmidt's "Schmidt: Works for Piano Left Hand and Orchestra" is a captivating journey through the world of chamber music, released on April 1, 2014, under the Pan Classics label. This album showcases Schmidt's mastery of composition, featuring a collection of works that highlight the piano's left hand in concert with orchestral arrangements.

The album opens with the Piano Concerto in E-Flat Major, a three-movement piece that begins with a majestic "Allegro moderato" and concludes with a lively "Vivace." Following this, the "Chaconne in C-Sharp Minor" offers a solo piano piece that is both technically demanding and deeply expressive.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Konzertante Variationen über ein Thema von Beethoven," a seven-movement work that takes Beethoven's theme and weaves it into a tapestry of variations. Each movement, from the "Langsam" opening to the final "Sehr lebhaft," demonstrates Schmidt's ability to explore a single theme from multiple angles.

The album concludes with the Piano Quintet in G Major, a four-movement work that combines the piano with a string quartet. The movements range from the "Lebhaft, doch nicht schnell" opening to the final "Sehr lebhaft," showcasing the interplay between the piano and strings.

With a total duration of 2 hours and 19 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Franz Schmidt's works for piano left hand and orchestra. It's a must-listen for fans of chamber music and a testament to Schmidt's enduring legacy.