César Viana: Piano Music
The Portuguese composer César Viana – born in England, in 1963, and now resident in Spain – is an all-round musician: conductor, pianist, early-music enthusiast, folklorist and flautist, with a special interest in the shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute. His resulting familiarity with Zen Buddhism has left its mark on his music, where the clean lines of Japanese art combine with a fondness for the contrapuntal textures that form the basis of much European art-music – imagine Bach and Hindemith in the formal elegance of a stone garden, warmed by a touch of western wit.
Carlos Marin Rayo, piano
Listen To This Recording:
Piano Sonata No. 3 “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” (2020) (19:22)
- I. Deciso (5:12)
- II. Carillon (6:54)
- III. Scherzo (2:27)
- IV. Chorale (4:49)
Piano Sonata No. 1 “Old Folks Home” (2020) (15:32)
- I. Andante (4:59)
- II. Adagissimo (5:30)
- III. Menuet and Trio (1:49)
- IV. Toccata (3:14)
Prime Rhymes (13:55)
- I. Ajisai (2021) (6:22)
- II. Sureña (2012) (4:44)
- III. Bagatela (2018) (2:49)
Élégies (11:03)
- I. O Maria, Deu Maire (2021) (3:56)
- II. Pompe funèbre (2012) (7:07)
Return of the Heracleidae (2014) (8:19)
- I. Dorian March (2:02)
- II. Threnos (2:43)
- III. Katienai (3:34)
First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘This new disc from Toccata Classics gives us the chance to hear for the first time on disc a selection of his consistently interesting and inventive piano music. […]
[Prime Rhymes is] a resourceful and entertaining piece.
The two Élégies which follow are both beautifully crafted. […]
In all of the pieces on the album Carlos Marín Rayo proves himself to be the perfect advocate for Viana’s music. There is a deep understanding of and commitment to the composer’s intentions grounded in the utmost sensitivity and technical control with virtuosity aplenty when required.’
—Dominic Hartley, MusicWeb International
American Record Guide :
‘The music of Portuguese composer Cesar Viana (b 1963) is solidly rooted in the classical tradition. This program, played with skill and understanding by Carlos Marin Rayo, begins with Sonata 1 (2020). Bearing the subtitle `Old Folks at Home’, the work brings that beloved song to the fore early and often, even in the wild Toccata that is its finale. Sonata 3 (2020) waits until its finale for `How Brightly Shines the Morning Star’. I especially enjoy Return of the Heracleidae (2014), which uses the Dorian mode to conjure “the Dorians of ancient Greece, who claimed descent from Heracles”. Powerful playing.’
—American Record Guide
Fanfare :
‘[Viana’s] style is highly inventive, with an emphasis on counterpoint, as well as modal colouring and other alternative musical scales. I find it quite accessible, while still displaying a distinctive voice.
Carlos Marín Rayo brings this all to life with some excellent pianism. […] Another interesting discovery by Toccata Classics. Recommended.’
—Michael Vaillancourt, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘All works here receive their world premiere recordings by the young Spanish pianist Carlos Marín Rayo, the dedicatee of several of Viana’s piano pieces, including Return of the Heracleidae and Sonata No.3. Rayo plays with total conviction and technical control, and it is hard to imagine better performances. This disc seems to be his first commercial recording, and I look forward to future releases from this promising Spaniard.’
—Anton Angelo, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘Carlos Marín Rayo, the dedicatee of both the Piano Sonata No. 3 and Return of the Heracleidae, is a sterling advocate for Viana’s keyboard music. Rayo’s clarity of articulation and voicing, pinpoint execution, and broad array of dynamics and instrumental colours are a constant source of pleasure. The composer’s extensive and informative program notes enhance the listening experience. Recommended.’
—Ken Meltzer, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘The two large sonatas presented here, both from 2020, are a fascinating blend of Classical and Baroque influences. The fast movements of the sonatas are vigorous and highly virtuosic, making for rather exciting music-making by the superb young Spanish pianist Carlos Marín Rayo. […] this is a vivid introduction to a fascinatingly imaginative musical mind.’
—Peter Burwasser, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘Madrid-born Carlos Marín Rayo is undeniably a fine pianist, and Viana’s music largely rewards repeated listening. All tracks are first recordings, as is Toccata Classics’ wont. Those interested in pianistic byways will not be disappointed.’
—Colin Clarke, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘Both sonatas are absorbing even on first hearing. The shorter piano pieces make use of varied textures and display (particularly the Élegies) considerably lyricism and beauty. The performances, by the young Spanish pianist Carlos Marín Rayo, are accomplished and presumably authoritative. More releases from both the pianist and the composer should be eagerly anticipated. Highly recommended.’
—Keith R. Fisher, Fanfare
Fanfare :
‘Carlos Marín Rayo is the ideal advocate for Viana’s music. His tone is consistently beautiful, even in loud and virtuosic passages. He plays with a wide variety of articulation, has a fine sense of melodic line, and a subtle grasp of precisely how Viana’s unique harmonic language communicates emotion. Clear, natural-sounding engineering is a bonus. This is a disc well worth hearing, and César Viana’s music is well worth getting to know.’
—Myron Silberstein, Fanfare