Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Charles-Valentin Alkan with his captivating album, "Grande Sonate, 'Les Quatre Ages', Symphonie Pour Piano Solo." This masterful collection, released on November 30, 2012, under the Piano Classics label, showcases Alkan's virtuosity and innovative spirit within the classical piano genre. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, the album is a testament to Alkan's ability to evoke the human experience through music.
The centerpiece of this release is the monumental "Grande Sonate, Op. 33, 'Les quatre âges'," a sprawling sonata that musically narrates the stages of a man's life, from youthful exuberance to the tragedies of old age. Each movement, titled "20 Ans (Très Vite)," "30 Ans: Quasi Faust (Assez Vite)," "40 Ans: Un Heureux Ménage (Lentement)," and "50 Ans, Prométhée Enchaîné (Assez Lentement)," offers a unique glimpse into the emotional and psychological landscape of these life stages.
Complementing the sonata is the "Symphonie Pour Piano Solo (Douze Études Dans Tous Les Tons Mineurs Op.39)," a symphonic work for solo piano that further demonstrates Alkan's compositional brilliance. The symphony is divided into four movements: "Allegro," "Allegro moderato," "Marche Funèbre, Andantino," "Menuet, Tempo di minuetto," and "Finale (Presto)," each offering a distinct emotional and musical journey. The album concludes with "Etude N° 3, Op. 76 - Mouvement Semblable Et Perpètuel," a study that showcases Alkan's technical prowess and musical depth.
Charles-Valentin Alkan, a French composer and pianist of the 19th century, is known for his complex and innovative works. This album is a perfect introduction to his unique style and a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Alkan's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Vinylscout