Twentieth Century Music for two pianos and
orchestra
Nikolai LOPATNIKOFF Two Piano Concerto (1949-50) [18
mins]
Alexandre TANSMAN Suite for two piano and orchestra
(1928) [22 mins]
Gian Francesco MALIPIERO Dialoghi VII (1956) [13
mins]
Joshua Pierce (piano)
Dorothy Jonas (piano)
Slovak State PO/David Amos
rec 5-8 Dec 1994 Kosice, Slovakia
CENTAUR CRC2269
[52.01]
Centaur
Centaur have always had an enterprising catalogue. Collections of this type
are not exactly common and it is to Centaur's credit that this exists at
all.
The Lopatnikoff is brittle and acidic but not without romantic pith. This
is a combination recalling Walton with a Stravinskian twist. Melodic vigour
abounds in this slightly tart confection. Lightly spiced note clashes draw
in memories of Finzi's Grand Fantasia and Toccata. The music is ruminative
in the andante second movement but howls in the finale showering off
piano shrapnel like welding torch sparks. This music has certain overlaps
with Walton and Shostakovich but lacks Walton's humanity. The Oldham composer's
convulsive pulse and nervy accents are certainly evident.
The Tansman has the accent of a Gershwin but this is crossbred with gritty
dissonance and neo-classicism. Along the way we encounter a tune of simple
nobility tastily served up, a Tom and Jerry scherzo joyously uncorked, a
chaotically Graingerian medley and a Bachian fugue.
The Malipiero does not impress: clangorous, thornily dysjunct, aimless and
smeared.
These are world premiere recordings set down in up-front style (a touch of
mild congestion sometimes) with extensive English only notes by composer,
Eric Salzman. The notes are only spoilt by their tendency to describe the
music in technical terms.
Rob Barnett
