José VIANNA DA MOTTA
Piano Music:
Sonata in B major (1885); Cenas portuguesas, Op. 9; Ballada, Op. 16; Ceaas
portuguesas, Op. 18; Barcarola, Op. 1, No. 1; Barcarola, Op. 1, No. 2; Adeus,
minha terra Op. 15, No.2
Sequeira Costa, piano
Marco Polo 8.225116 DDD
[73.41]
Crotchet
AmazonUK
AmazonUS
One of Liszt's last pupils, the Portuguese composer and pianist Vianna da
Motta (1868-1948) was trained in Berlin and then briefly with Liszt, in Weimar.
He established a distinctive national school of piano performance, combining
a distinguished international career with activity in Lisbon as the leading
musical figure, there, of his generation. Sequeira Costa, the performer on
this CD, was a student of the composer and in 1957 established the Vianna
da Motta International Competition in Lisbon.
The opening sonata was written when Vianna da Motta was a student of Liszt,
and whilst it is well written, it is very much in the style of Liszt and
frankly not very distinctive. The 'Portuguese Scenes' Op. 9 are very different,
being three very attractive short works based upon Portuguese folk songs
played here with evocative charm and virtuosity; the concluding waltz is
very much in the style of Chopin but with Iberian overtones. The Op.16 Ballada
of 1905 again has overtones of a Chopin ballade, but develops into a series
of complex and sometimes intense variations and eventually leads to a peaceful
conclusion - a fascinating work.
The 'Portuguese Scenes' Op.18, pieces are described as Three impromptus on
Popular Tunes and again are most attractive, here played with great affection;
they are noticeably musically more advanced than the Op. 9 'Scenes'. The
two barcaroles are clearly modelled on those of Chopin but have a distinctive
Iberian flavour. The concluding work on the CD is very appropriately 'Farewell
my Country', a most poetic and evocative piece.
This CD represents my first acquaintance with this composer and I must say
I found it a revelation. Vianna da Motta, on the evidence of this disc, is
more at home with short works than with the larger forms; however each of
the short works is very melodic and skilful and all are beautifully played
by Sequeira Costa. The style could perhaps best be described as Chopin with
an Iberian accent and Lisztian technique. I have not enjoyed listening to
a new (to me) composer so much for a long time and I recommend this disc
without reservation.
The recording is excellent and the CD has an attractive cover and useful
notes by Keith Anderson.
Arthur Baker
