Immerse yourself in the profound and virtuosic world of Charles-Valentin Alkan with the album "Alkan: Piano Works," released on November 24, 2017, under the MUSO label. This captivating collection of classical piano pieces showcases Alkan's extraordinary compositional prowess and technical brilliance, offering a comprehensive exploration of his musical genius.
The album opens with "Super flumina Babylonis," a paraphrase of Psalm 137, Op. 52, setting a contemplative and introspective tone. Following this, the "Symphonie pour piano seul, Op. 39" unfolds in four distinct movements: the lively "Allegro," the somber "Marche funèbre," the graceful "Menuet," and the triumphant "Finale." Each movement demonstrates Alkan's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods through the piano.
The centerpiece of the album is the "Grande Sonate pour piano 'Les Quatre Âges de la vie,' Op. 33," a monumental work that explores the stages of life. The sonata is divided into four movements, each representing a different age: the youthful "20 ans. Très vite," the introspective "30 ans (Quasi-Faust). Sataniquement," the domestic "40 ans (Un heureux ménage). Lentement," and the reflective "50 ans (Prométhée enchaîné). Extrêmement lent." This sonata is a testament to Alkan's ability to capture the essence of human experience through music.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, "Alkan: Piano Works" is a rich and rewarding listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Alkan's work, this album offers a compelling journey through the mind and music of one of the most innovative and underappreciated composers of the 19th century.
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