Alexandre Tansman; G.F. Malipiero; Nikolai Lopatnikoff - Concertos for Two Pianos (Joshua Pierce; Dorothy Jonas)

Information

Composer: Alexandre Tansman; Gian Francesco Malipiero; Nikolai Lopatnikoff

• (01) Lopatnikoff - Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra
• (04) Tansman - Suite for Two Pianos and Orchestra
• (14) Malipiero - Dialoghi VII (Concerto) for Two Pianos and Orchestra

Joshua Pierce & Dorothy Jonas, pianos
Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Košice
David Amos, conductor

Date: 1996
Label: Centaur
http://www.centaurrecords.com/store/albums/orchestral/nikolai-lopatnikoff-concerto-for-two-pianos-and-orchestra.html

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Review

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, MusicWeb International

More reviews:
https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/pierce-jonas-20th-century-masterpieces
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2018/Jun/Two_pianos_MS1651.htm

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Alexandre Tansman (12 June 1897 – 15 November 1986) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of Jewish origin. He spent his early years in his native Poland, but lived in France for most of his life, being granted French citizenship in 1938. His music is often said to be primarily neoclassical, drawing on his Polish Jewish heritage as well as his French musical influences. Tansman wrote more than 300 works, including 7 operas, 11 ballets, 6 oratorios, 80 orchestral pages (with 9 symphonies), and numerous works of chamber and piano music. Almost all his works have been now recorded on CDs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Tansman

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