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