Ernst Krenek: Complete Piano Concertos, Volume Two
Ernst Krenek’s seven piano concertos – four for solo piano, one for two pianos, one with violin and one with organ – form one of the major concerto-series of the twentieth century, but also one of the least familiar. This second instalment in their first complete recording reveals breath-taking bravura writing – in the virtuoso piano technique, the dazzling orchestration and the stylistic integration of serialism and good-natured recollection of Viennese tradition.
Mikhail Korzhev, piano
Eric Huebner, piano (Tracks 4 – 7)
Nurit Pacht, violin (Tracks 8 -14)
Adrian Partington, organ (Tracks 15 -20)
English Symphony Orchestra
Kenneth Woods, conductor
Listen To This Recording:
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Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 123 (1950)*
- I. Allegro, agitato e pesante
- II. Molto adagio
- III. Allegro, molto vivace
- I. Allegro vivace
- II. Andante
- III. Allegro vivace
- IV. Adagio
- I. Andantino
- II. Allegro ma non troppo, deciso
- III. Andantino
- IV. Allegretto
- V. Lento
- VI. Allegro
- VII. Tempo di Landler
- I. Andante sostenuto
- II. Andantino
- III. Allegro energico
- IV. Andante, liberamente
- V. Adagio
- VI. Allegretto
Concerto for Two Pianos, Op, 127 (1951)*
Double Concerto for Violin and Piano, Op. 124 (1950)*
Little Concerto for Piano and Organ Op. 88 (1940)
* First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘I was bowled over by Krenek’s directness, which manifests itself in clear textures and material that never outstays its welcome. Indeed, Krenek also had a knack for leaving his listeners wanting more. […]
… As much as I enjoyed the first volume in this series, I have to say the second is even more to my taste. It seems everyone involved ‘clicks’ with these scores in a way that can only strengthen Woods’s – and Toccata’s – belief in this composer’s attractive oeuvre. Once more, Tregear and Korzhev provide notes from both the music historian’s and pianist’s point of view; they also find a good balance between biographical detail and musical analysis. […]
Another indispensable instalment in this important series;’
—Dan Morgan, MusicWeb International
Classical Source :
‘The keenly-awaited second volume from Toccata Classics devoted to Ernst Krenek’s four Piano Concertos has arrived, and it’s every bit as worthwhile. […]
It’s a lyrical and shared work, economical and subtle, during which Mikhail Korzhev continues his championing of Krenek’s music, joined by the impressive Nurit Pacht, matched throughout by Kenneth Woods and the English Symphony Orchestra. […]
These excellent performances are splendidly recorded, all for the first time save for Opus 88, and typical of this adventurous label the presentation is exemplary and includes essays and biographies galore.’
—Colin Anderson, Classical Source
Fanfare Magazine :
‘…a hearty endorsement yet again to Toccata Classics and these excellent musicians for revealing the existence of this unjustly neglected repertoire.’
—Phillip Scott, Fanfare Magazine, September/October 2017
Graham Rickson :
‘Mikhail Korzhev is the heroic soloist, wisely prioritising wit over brute force. […] a fascinating collection – and how refreshing to have three sets of sleeve notes, written respectively by soloist, conductor and music historian. Ken Woods’ hardworking English Symphony Orchestra acquit themselves brilliantly. Snap it up.’
—Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk
MusicWeb International :
‘The standard of performance here is every bit as good as in the earlier release recorded a year earlier, and those who enjoyed that CD need not hesitate. Not only Korzhev but his fellow soloists in the various double concertos seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves, not only in the emotionally charged nature of much of the music but also in its challenging technical demands. […]
the Krenek concertos are a real discovery.’
—Paul Corfield Godfrey, MusicWeb International