Scharwenka: Four Polish Dances, Op. 47; Six Waltzes, Op. 28; Three Piano Pieces, Op. 86; Legends, Op. 5

This is the world premiere recording of these short pieces by the Polish-German composer Xaver Scharwenka. It’s very appealing music, Chopinesque in its harmonic language, melodiousness and pianistic flair, if lacking the emotional darkness of the earlier composer. It may not be deeply significant, but its charm never fails, especially when played with such vigour and tenderness as here. Tanyel proves herself a master of tone colour and nuance as well as considerable brilliance. Jessica Duchen

Jessica Duchen

Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm

COMPOSERS: Scharwenka
LABELS: Collins
WORKS: Four Polish Dances, Op. 47; Six Waltzes, Op. 28; Three Piano Pieces, Op. 86; Legends, Op. 5
PERFORMER: Seta Tanyel (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 14742 DDD

This is the world premiere recording of these short pieces by the Polish-German composer Xaver Scharwenka. It’s very appealing music, Chopinesque in its harmonic language, melodiousness and pianistic flair, if lacking the emotional darkness of the earlier composer. It may not be deeply significant, but its charm never fails, especially when played with such vigour and tenderness as here. Tanyel proves herself a master of tone colour and nuance as well as considerable brilliance. Jessica Duchen

Jessica Duchen

Journalist and Critic, BBC Music Magazine

Jessica Duchen studied music at Cambridge University and was the classical music correspondent for The Independent from 2004 to 2016. She has also written for The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, BBC Music Magazine and the JC, among others. Jessica Duchen has written librettos include numerous choral works and operas for the composer Roxanna Panufnik, including Silver Birch, commissioned by Garsington Opera and shortlisted for an International Opera Award in 2018. Two more works based on stories by Oscar Wilde were commissioned for Garsington’s Youth Company, The Happy Princess with composer Paul Fincham (2019) and The Selfish Giant with John Barber, which fell victim to lockdown, this has been postponed to 2021.
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