Brian Ferneyhough's "Complete Piano Music 1965-2018" is a monumental collection that spans over five decades of the avant-garde composer's work. Released on April 9, 2021, this two-disc set is a comprehensive journey through Ferneyhough's innovative and complex compositions for the piano. Performed by Ian Pace and Ben Smith, the album features a diverse range of pieces, from the early "Invention" to the more recent "El rey de Calabria."
The album opens with "Invention," a piece that sets the stage for the intricate and demanding nature of Ferneyhough's music. The "Epigrams" series, consisting of six short pieces, showcases the composer's ability to convey deep emotional and intellectual content in brief, concentrated forms. The "Sonata for Two Pianos" is a standout piece, demonstrating Ferneyhough's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create intricate, interweaving musical lines.
The "Three Pieces for Piano" and "Lemma-Icon-Epigram" further explore Ferneyhough's unique compositional language, characterized by its complexity, precision, and intellectual depth. The album also includes excerpts from "Shadow," a work that pushes the boundaries of traditional piano music with its use of extended techniques and unconventional notation.
Throughout the album, Ferneyhough's music challenges and engages the listener with its complexity and innovation. The performances by Ian Pace and Ben Smith are nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the essence of Ferneyhough's music with technical brilliance and interpretive insight. Whether you are a seasoned fan of contemporary classical music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a fascinating and rewarding exploration of one of the most important composers of our time.
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