Immerse yourself in the masterful artistry of Ivan Moravec with this comprehensive 4-CD collection, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the 20th century's most celebrated pianists. Spanning over four hours, this album is a treasure trove of classical piano repertoire, featuring iconic works by Mozart, Chopin, Janáček, Debussy, and Beethoven. Moravec's unique interpretive style, often compared to the likes of Gieseking and Richter, shines through in every note, offering a deeply personal and captivating musical experience.
Recorded between 1995 and 2002, this collection showcases Moravec's extraordinary range and technical virtuosity. The album opens with Mozart's Piano Concertos No. 20, 23, 24, and 25, performed with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields under the baton of Sir Neville Marriner. These performances are followed by a selection of Chopin's most beloved works, including the iconic Piano Sonata No. 2, known as the "Funeral March," and a selection of preludes, mazurkas, and polonaises.
The album also features Janáček's intense and evocative "1.X.1905" and "In the Mists," as well as Debussy's enchanting "Ondine" from his Preludes, Book II. Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 17, known as "The Tempest," rounds out the collection, demonstrating Moravec's ability to convey the full spectrum of human experience through his playing.
Born in Prague in 1930, Ivan Moravec began his musical journey with a love for opera before turning his focus to the piano. His international debut in 1959 marked the beginning of a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. This album is a fitting tribute to his artistry and a joy for both longtime admirers and new discoverers of his work.
Piano Concerto No. 20 D Minor K466: I AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 20 D Minor K466: Ii RomanceWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 20 D Minor K466: Iii Rondo (Allegro assai)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 23 A Major K488: I AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 23 A Major K488: Ii AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 23 A Major K488: Iii Allegro assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 24 C Minor K491: I AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 24 C Minor K491: Ii LarghettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 24 C Minor K491: Iii AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 25 C Major K503: I Allegro maestosoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 25 C Major K503: Ii AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto No. 25 C Major K503: Iii AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivan Moravec, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Sonata D Major Hob. Xvi:37: I Allegro con brioJoseph Haydn, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata D Major Hob. Xvi:37: Ii Largo e sostenutoJoseph Haydn, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata D Major Hob. Xvi:37: Iii Finale. Presto ma non troppoJoseph Haydn, Ivan Moravec
Sonata 1. X. 1905 „z ulice“: I Premonition/ Vorahnung. Con motoLeoš Janáček, Ivan Moravec
Sonata 1. X. 1905 „z ulice“: Ii Death. Adagio/ Tod. AdagioLeoš Janáček, Ivan Moravec
V mlhách (In the Mists/ Im Nebel): I AndanteLeoš Janáček, Ivan Moravec
V mlhách (In the Mists/ Im Nebel): Ii Molto agitatoLeoš Janáček, Ivan Moravec
V mlhách (In the Mists/ Im Nebel): Iii AndantinoLeoš Janáček, Ivan Moravec
V mlhách (In the Mists/ Im Nebel): Iv PrestoLeoš Janáček, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 17 A-Flat Major - AllegrettoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 18 F Minor - Molto allegroFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 19 E-Flat Major - VivaceFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 20 C Minor - LargoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 21 B-Flat Major - CantabileFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 22 G Minor - Molto agitatoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 23 F Major - ModeratoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 24 D Minor - Allegro appassionatoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: Ondine (Debussy)Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: Mazurka in C-Sharp MinorFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
24 Preludes Op. 28: Mazurka in A MinorFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: I Grave: Doppio movimentoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Ii ScherzoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Iii Funeral March / TrauermarschFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Iv PrestoFrédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Ballade No. 4 f Moll / F Minor Op. 52Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Mazurka No. 40 f Moll / F Minor, Op. 63/2Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Mazurka No. 5 B Dur / B-Flat Major, Op. 7/1Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Mazurka No. 25 h Moll / B Minor, Op. 33/4Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Fantaisie in f Moll / F Minor, Op. 49Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 25 „funeral March“: Polonaise No. 7 as Dur / A flat Major, Op. 61 - „polonaise – Fantaisie“Frédéric Chopin, Ivan Moravec
Ivan Moravec, born in Prague in 1930, was a distinguished Czech pianist renowned for his profound interpretations of classical masterpieces. His musical journey began at the age of seven under the tutelage of Erna Grünfeld, and by fifteen, he was enrolled at the Prague Conservatoire. Moravec's repertoire spanned approximately 24 hours of recorded music, with a particular affinity for the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy, whom he championed throughout his career. After completing his studies at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Moravec moved to New York in 1962, where he continued to captivate audiences with his technical brilliance and expressive phrasing. His legacy endures through his extensive discography, which includes a celebrated 11-CD set showcasing his virtuosity with the composers he held dear. Moravec passed away in Prague in 2015, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire classical piano enthusiasts worldwide.
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Ivan Moravec
