Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano mastery with Sir Clifford Curzon's exquisite album, released on August 17, 2018, under Decca Music Group Ltd. This captivating collection showcases Curzon's virtuosity and deep musical insight, featuring a diverse repertoire that spans the works of Beethoven, Schubert, and Britten.
The album opens with Beethoven's monumental "Eroica Variations," Op. 35, a tour de force of 15 variations and a fugue in E-flat Major. Curzon's interpretation brings out the intricate beauty and structural brilliance of this composition, offering a profound listening experience. Each variation is meticulously crafted, showcasing Curzon's technical prowess and emotional depth.
Following Beethoven, the album transitions to Schubert's "6 Moments Musicaux," Op. 94, D. 780. These six character pieces are a testament to Schubert's lyrical genius, and Curzon's renditions are both delicate and expressive. From the serene Moderato of the first moment to the lively Allegretto of the final moment, Curzon navigates the shifting moods with grace and sensitivity.
The album concludes with two gems by Benjamin Britten: "Introduction and Rondo alla burlesca," Op. 23, No. 1, and "Mazurka elegiaca," Op. 23, No. 2. These pieces highlight Britten's unique compositional voice, and Curzon's performances are marked by their wit, charm, and technical precision.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a testament to Sir Clifford Curzon's enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding exploration of some of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire.
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Introduzione col Basso del Tema: Allegretto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 1Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 2Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 3Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 4Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 5Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 6Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 7 Canone all'OttavaLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 8Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 9Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 10Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 11Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 12Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 13Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 14 MinoreLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 15 Maggiore. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 1 in C Major (Moderato)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 2 in A-Flat Major: AndantinoFranz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 3 in F Minor: Allegro moderatoFranz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 4 in C-Sharp Minor (Moderato)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 5 in F Minor (Allegro vivace)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 6 in A-Flat Minor (Allegretto)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
Introduction and Rondo alla burlesca, Op. 23, No. 1Benjamin Britten, Sir Clifford Curzon
Mazurka elegiaca, Op. 23, No. 2Benjamin Britten, Sir Clifford Curzon