Moscheles: The Complete Concert Studies

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the virtuosic world of Ignaz Moscheles with "Moscheles: The Complete Concert Studies," a comprehensive collection of his seminal works released on Hyperion. This album, spanning over an hour and eighteen minutes, is a testament to Moscheles' mastery of the piano and his enduring legacy in the classical music canon.

The album opens with the Characteristic Studies, Op. 95, a series of evocative pieces that showcase Moscheles' ability to convey a wide range of moods and narratives through his music. From the fiery "Wrath" to the tender "Affection," each study is a miniature masterpiece, offering a glimpse into Moscheles' compositional genius.

Following the Characteristic Studies, the album features a selection of Moscheles' Études, including the Op. 98, Op. 105, and the grand Op. 111. These pieces are not merely technical exercises but are imbued with a sense of drama and expression that sets them apart from typical étude collections. The album concludes with the Grande Étude de concert, Op. 126, a tour de force that demonstrates Moscheles' prowess as both a composer and a performer.

Recorded in 2003, this album is a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a rare opportunity to experience the complete concert studies of Ignaz Moscheles in one sitting. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Moscheles' work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 november 2003

℗ 2003 Hyperion Records Limited

About Ignaz Moscheles

Ignaz Moscheles (1794–1870) was a renowned Bohemian pianist and composer whose career spanned the golden age of piano music, from Beethoven to the mid-19th century. Born in Prague, Moscheles moved to Vienna in 1808, where he attended the premiere of one of Beethoven's works. His virtuosity and compositions earned him a place among the finest pianist-composers of his time. Moscheles' extensive touring career took him across Europe, settling in London in 1821 before eventually joining his friend and protégé Felix Mendelssohn as a professor of piano at the Leipzig Conservatory. His influence extended beyond his performances, shaping the standard repertoire and canons of his era. Moscheles' legacy is one of brilliance and innovation, making him a key figure in 19th-century music history.