Alkan: Character Pieces & Grotesqueries

Dive into the captivating world of Charles-Valentin Alkan with "Alkan: Character Pieces & Grotesqueries," a stunning collection of piano works that showcase the composer's unique genius and virtuosity. Released on November 24, 2023, via Piano Classics, this album offers a rich tapestry of musical expressions, from whimsical and playful to darkly humorous and technically demanding.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album features a diverse range of pieces, including character pieces, études, and caprices, each demonstrating Alkan's extraordinary compositional skills and pianistic prowess. Notable works include the playful "Jean qui pleure et Jean qui rit" (Jean Who Cries and Jean Who Laughs), the virtuosic "Le chemin de fer" (The Railway), and the charming "2 Petites pièces" (2 Little Pieces), which explore themes of liberty and servitude.

Pianist Mark Viner delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, bringing Alkan's idiosyncratic and often challenging music to life with clarity and precision. This album is an essential addition to any classical piano enthusiast's collection, offering a deep dive into the fascinating and lesser-known world of Charles-Valentin Alkan's piano repertoire.

Charles-Valentin Alkan, born in Paris in 1813, was a virtuoso pianist and composer whose name should be as celebrated as those of his contemporaries, Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt. During the 1830s and 1840s, Alkan was one of the most renowned pianists in Paris, his hometown, where he spent nearly his entire life. His piano works are notoriously demanding, yet they also possess a unique brilliance and joy that sets them apart. Alkan's compositions are a testament to his extraordinary keyboard technique and his original, individual voice. Often described as a 'conservative radical,' his music blends innovative ideas with a deep respect for classical traditions. Despite his legendary status, Alkan remains somewhat obscure, making his rediscovery a thrilling journey for any classical piano enthusiast. His works, once shrouded in darkness, now gleam with a fierce, unmistakable brilliance that continues to captivate and inspire.