Immerse yourself in the captivating world of American piano sonatas with Marc-André Hamelin's stunning 2004 release on Hyperion. This album showcases two monumental works of the 20th century: Charles Ives' Piano Sonata No. 2 "Concord" and Samuel Barber's Piano Sonata in E-Flat Minor, Op. 26. Recorded in April 2004 at the Henry Wood Hall in London, these performances are a testament to Hamelin's virtuosity and deep understanding of these complex and evocative pieces.
The Ives sonata, subtitled "Concord, Mass., 1840-60," is a sprawling, visionary work inspired by the transcendentalist philosophers and writers who lived in Concord, Massachusetts. Hamelin navigates the sonata's intricate polyphony and bold harmonies with remarkable clarity and precision, bringing out the individual voices in each of the four movements: "Emerson," "Hawthorne," "The Alcotts," and "Thoreau." The Barber sonata, composed in the 1920s, is a powerful and expressive work that Hamelin performs with a keen sense of drama and lyricism. The four movements, ranging from the energetic opening Allegro to the fiery finale, showcase the full range of Hamelin's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
With a total duration of just over an hour, this album is a feast for the ears, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Marc-André Hamelin's performances of these two iconic sonatas are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Vinylscout