Alkan: Genius-Enigma

Dive into the world of Charles-Valentin Alkan, a French composer and virtuoso pianist whose genius is often overshadowed but never forgotten. This three-disc collection, "Alkan: Genius-Enigma," offers a comprehensive exploration of Alkan's piano repertoire, showcasing his technical brilliance and compositional prowess. Released on Piano Classics, this album spans an impressive three hours and thirty-eight minutes, featuring a variety of genres within the classical piano spectrum.

The album begins with the intricate "Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39," a series of seven studies that demonstrate Alkan's mastery of minor keys and his penchant for technical virtuosity. Each étude is a testament to his compositional skill, ranging from the swift "Comme le vent" to the haunting "Marche funèbre." Following this, the "Trois morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15" offers a more introspective look into Alkan's emotional depth, with pieces like "Aime-moi" and "Morte" showcasing his ability to evoke profound feelings through music.

The collection continues with the second set of "Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39," further exploring Alkan's technical prowess and compositional ingenuity. The "Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Op. 33" is a highlight, depicting the stages of life with remarkable musical storytelling. The "Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61" and "3 Grandes études, Op. 76" round out the collection, offering a blend of technical challenge and musical beauty.

Charles-Valentin Alkan's music is known for its difficulty, often compared to the virtuosity of Liszt. This album is a testament to his genius, featuring works that are as challenging to play as they are beautiful to listen to. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Alkan: Genius-Enigma" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.