José Vianna da Motta - Piano Concertos (Artur Pizarro)

Information

Composer: José Vianna da Motta

• (01) Piano Concerto in A major
• (08) Ballada for solo piano, Op. 16
• (09) Fantasia Dramática

Artur Pizarro, piano
Orquestra Gulbenkian
Martyn Brabbins, conductor

Date: 2000
Label: Hyperion
https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_CDA67163

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Review

A marvellously recorded programme of works by a composer once hailed as the ‘Portuguese Grieg’ and who was also one of the leading pianists of his day

Hitherto, Jose Vianna da Motta (1868-1948) was quite unknown to me. Artur Pizarro’s informative note fills the main gaps: born in Africa, he was a pupil of Schaffer, Liszt and von Bulow, later becoming a leading interpreter of Beethoven and Liszt. He played with Casals, Sarasate and Ysaye and was a friend of Busoni, with whom he edited a complete Liszt edition.

Vianna da Motta’s main importance to posterity was his cultivation of non-operatic music in Portugal, his own compositions leading the way. Ironically, the larger works here scarcely contributed, the Concerto (1886-87) being premiered the day before this recording, the Fantasia dramatica (1893) played just once before. Both are early works, full of youthful exuberance. The Concerto betrays many influences, Wagner not least, but is largely Schumannesque in structure. Its unconventionality reminded me of Busoni’s early concerto (though less massive), consisting of just two movements, the variation-form second functioning as slow movement and scherzo-finale. The concerto-sized Fantasia dramatica (the largest item here) is more assured technically, switching Liszt for Schumann as model.

Vianna da Motta’s Ballada for solo piano is later still (1905), a fully mature creation in expressive design and the skill of its keyboard writing. Based on two popular songs from Portugal, it does lack the sheer vitality and fun of the works with orchestra, though its being placed between them sets it in the best possible light. The performances – firmly directed by Brabbins – are very strong (Pizarro doesn’t put a foot wrong). The superlative recording is a further plus, letting one hear even the rasp of the bassoons beneath the Fantasia’s final climax. A joy to listen to.

-- Guy Rickards, Gramophone

More reviews:
ClassicsToday  ARTISTIC QUALITY: 8 / SOUND QUALITY: 9
http://www.classical-music.com/review/vianna-da-motta
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/damotta.htm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vianna-Motta-Concerto-Fantasia-Dramatica/dp/B00004YYQ2

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José Vianna da Motta (22 April 1868 – 1 June 1948) was a distinguished Portuguese pianist, teacher, and composer. He studied with Franz Liszt at Weimar in 1885 and with Hans von Bülow two years later. In the following years he undertook many concert tours all round the world. Although he was renowned for his virtuosity, he was also dedicated to the music of J. S. Bach and Beethoven. He also included lesser known composers in his recitals, such as works by Charles-Valentin Alkan. Vianna da Motta was a composer in his own right, composing orchestral works (including a symphony) as well as piano pieces.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Vianna_da_Motta

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Artur Pizarro (born 1968 in Lisbon) is a Portuguese pianist of international acclaim. Pizarro began his early piano studies in Lisbon with Campos Coelho. At age five, he began studying with Sequeira Costa, and continued working with him until 1990. Pizarro also worked with other teachers, including Aldo Ciccolini. He performs internationally in solo recitals, in duos, with chamber music groups, and as a soloist with the world's leading orchestras. Pizarro has an extensive discography available on Linn Records, as well as on Naxos, Hyperion, Collins Classics, and other labels. He is a Yamaha-International Artist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artur_Pizarro

http://www.arturpizarro.pt/biography/

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