| Details / Tracklist: |
 01. "Impromptu" 02. "Ballade Nr. 1 d-moll op. 6" 03. "Ballade Nr. 2 g-moll op. 22" 04. "Ballade Nr. 3 e-moll" 05. "Sonate cis-moll" 06. "S?r?nade m?lancholique" 07. "Variationen und Fuge ?ber ein Thema von J.P.E.Hartmann op. 38"
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| Description: | The present recording of piano music by Julius Röntgen (1855-1932), the fourth of an ongoing series, comprises works that span a significant portion of Röntgen's compositional lifetime. Fifty-five years separates the first Ballad, Op.6 written in 1873, when the composer was just 17 years old, from the Sonata in C-sharp minor of 1928. This far- ranging chronology gives the listener an informed overview of Röntgen's output. This is especially interesting given the fact that he lived through such musically revolutionary times. Röntgen's writing style for the piano shows a gift for creating unique sonorities alongside ingenious harmonic invention. In particular, I am intrigued by his ability to create, on the one hand, exquisite and sublime musical moments - such as those found in the major variations of the Variations and Fugue Op.38 - and, on the other, masses of chordal harmony punctuated with rhapsodic episodes. The Ballad No. 3 best represents the latter compositional style with it's highly varied textural and emotional contrasts. When Röntgen died in 1932, Donald Francis Tovey wrote, "He was an inspiration for the future but with a link to the past. His compositions cover the whole range of music in every art form; they all show consummate mastery in every aspect of technique; even in the most facile there is beauty and wit, each series of works culminate in something that has the uniqueness of a living masterpiece.""Piano Music Vol. 4" on CD presents Mark Anderson at the keyboard in a finely recorded recital that focuses on expressive clarity, structural insight and a warm, singing tone. Across this volume, Anderson explores a carefully curated selection of piano works that highlight both lyrical intimacy and virtuoso brilliance, allowing listeners to experience the full emotional range of the instrument. The interpretations are characterized by nuanced dynamics, a natural sense of flow and a refined touch that brings out inner voices and subtle color shifts, making this disc especially appealing to listeners who value musical depth over mere showmanship. Thanks to the clear, natural recording, the sound preserves the full resonance of the piano and offers a concert-like presence in the living room. Whether used for focused listening or as a companion for reading and reflection, this CD invites repeated hearings and reveals new details with each playthrough.
Mark Anderson is an accomplished pianist known for his thoughtful, architecturally clear interpretations and his ability to balance technical control with poetic sensitivity. In "Piano Music Vol. 4" he combines disciplined precision with a personal, communicative style that speaks directly to the listener, making demanding repertoire accessible without simplifying its complexity. His playing stands out for its transparent voicing and rhythmic stability, offering interpretations that feel both authoritative and fresh. This makes the album an attractive choice both for experienced collectors of piano recordings and for newcomers who want to dive deeper into the world of solo piano.
The CD is released by Nimbus, a label with a long tradition in high-quality classical music production and a particular reputation for natural, unforced sound. Nimbus is known for placing the musical experience at the center: the label favors realistic acoustics, carefully chosen recording venues and unobtrusive engineering that lets the music breathe. Over the years, Nimbus has built a catalogue that ranges from core repertoire to more individual projects, often giving artists the space to record personal programs beyond the mainstream. With "Piano Music Vol. 4", Nimbus once again underlines its commitment to artistic integrity and long-term listening pleasure, offering a production that combines musical substance with an audiophile approach to sound.
"Piano Music Vol. 4" is thus an inviting CD for anyone who appreciates serious, well-considered piano playing, presented in a sound image that respects both the artist and the instrument. The disc is suitable for deep, concentrated listening sessions, but thanks to its balanced, unaggressive sound and musical coherence, it also works excellently as an atmospheric backdrop for quiet hours and relaxed evenings. |
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| Manufacturer No.: |
NI5975 |
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Product Safety
Responsible Person for the EU:
Wyastone Estate Limited
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Solo Instrument
6.735
- Accordion 25- Bassoon 5- Bugle 3- Cello 137- Clarinet 22- Clavichord 46- Double Bass 5- Early Instrum. 16- Flute 56- Guitar 341- Harp 53- Harpsichord 249- Lute 109- Mandolin 11- Oboe 8- Organ 578- Other Solo Instrum. 2.030- Percussion 19- Piano 2.708- Recorder 12- Saxophone 15- Trombone 5- Trumpet 11- Viola 31- Violin 231Symphonic Music 13.932
