Immerse yourself in the masterful piano artistry of Rudolf Firkusny with this comprehensive collection, released on January 1, 2000, by Vox Box. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a testament to Firkusny's virtuosity and deep connection to the classical piano repertoire.
The album opens with the powerful Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation" by Antonín Dvořák, showcasing Firkusny's dynamic range and interpretive depth. The sonata's four movements offer a rich tapestry of moods and textures, from the energetic opening to the solemn adagio and the lively rondo.
Firkusny's repertoire extends to lesser-known gems, such as the Keyboard Sonata in A Minor from Sammlung vermischter Clavier- und Gesangstücke, Book 2, and the evocative 6 Eclogues, Op. 51. The album also features a selection of Dvořák's 8 Humoresques, Op. 101, each piece a miniature masterpiece of wit and charm, performed with Firkusny's signature elegance and precision.
The 6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, offer a glimpse into the folk-inspired side of Dvořák's compositional style, with Firkusny bringing out the rhythmic vitality and melodic beauty of these dances. The album also includes a selection of Czech Dances, Book 2, providing a lively and colorful contrast to the more introspective pieces.
Firkusny's technical prowess is on full display in the virtuosic Theme & Variations in A-Flat Major, Op. 36, while his lyrical side shines in the Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85. Each piece in this collection is a testament to Firkusny's artistry, offering listeners a rich and rewarding listening experience.
This album is a celebration of Rudolf Firkusny's enduring legacy as one of the 20th century's greatest pianists. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
2000 Vox Box2000 Vox Box
Tracks
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": I. Allegro moderato ma energicoJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": II. Tempo di minuetto con motoJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": III. Adagio non troppo ma solenneJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": IV. Rondo. Allegro moderatoJan Ladislav Dussek, Rudolf Firkusny
Sammlung vermischter Clavier- und Gesangstücke, Book 2: Keyboard Sonata in A MinorJiří Antonín Benda, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 4 in A MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Eclogues, Op. 51: No. 22 in F MajorVáclav Jan Krtitel Tomásek, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 1 in E-Flat Minor. VivaceAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 2 in B Major. Poco andanteAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 3 in A-Flat Major. Poco andante e molto cantabileAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 4 in F Major. Poco andanteAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 5 in A Minor. VivaceAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 6 in B Major. Poco allegrettoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 7 in G-Flat Major. Poco lento e graziosoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 8 in B-Flat Minor. Poco andanteAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 1 in A-Flat Major. Allegro non tantoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 2 in C Major. Vivo e risolutoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 3 in B-Flat Major. AllegroAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 4 in D Minor. Lento, ma non troppoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 5 in F Major. Allegro non troppoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 6 in B Minor. AllegroAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
6 Mazurkas, Op. 56, B. 111: No. 7, VivaceAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 1, FuriantBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 2, SlepičkaBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 3, OvesBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 4, MedvědBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 5, CibuličkaBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 6, DupákBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 7, HulánBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 8, ObkrocákBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 9, SousedskáBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Czech Dances, Book 2, JB 1:114: No. 10, SkocnáBedřich Smetana, Rudolf Firkusny
Theme & Variations in A-Flat Major, Op. 36, B. 65Antonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, B. 161: No. 3, At the Old CastleAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, B. 161: No. 6, ReverieAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85, B. 161: No. 9, SerenadeAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Firkusny
Rudolf Firkusný, born in the quaint Moravian town of Napajedla in 1912, was a distinguished Czech-American classical pianist whose artistry left an indelible mark on the 20th century music scene. Known for his refined technique and deep musical insight, Firkusný's performances were celebrated by audiences and fellow musicians alike. His discography, spanning labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Decca, and Westminster, showcases his virtuosity and interpretive prowess. Beyond his concert career, Firkusný was also a dedicated teacher and composer, sharing his musical gifts with future generations. His legacy endures as a testament to his unique musical vision and the enduring power of classical piano.
Vinylscout
Rudolf Firkusny
