Erwin Schulhoff's "Piano Cycles 1919 - 1936" is a captivating collection of chamber music that showcases the composer's innovative blend of classical and jazz influences. Released in 1998 by SUPRAPHON a.s., this album spans a duration of 75 minutes and features a total of 35 pieces, divided into five distinct cycles. Schulhoff, a Czech composer and pianist, was known for his eclectic style, and this album is a testament to his ability to merge various musical genres seamlessly.
The album opens with "Esquisses de Jazz," a set of six easy piano pieces that introduce listeners to Schulhoff's playful and rhythmic approach to jazz. Following this, "Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten" offers a more whimsical and humorous take on piano music, with pieces like "Papa" and "Hopp... hopp" that are sure to delight. "Music für Klavier, Op. 35" presents a more traditional side of Schulhoff, with a prelude, theme and variations, and a lively "Vivo e giocoso."
The "Elf Inventionen" cycle is a standout feature of this album, with 11 inventive and varied pieces that range from the slow and expressive "Lento" to the energetic "Presto leggiero." "Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20" continues the exploration of different moods and tempos, with pieces that are both brutal and flowing. Finally, "Studien. Zwei Klavierstücke" concludes the album with an optimistic composition and a tribute to Czech workers.
Throughout the album, Schulhoff's unique voice shines through, making "Piano Cycles 1919 - 1936" a compelling exploration of his musical evolution over nearly two decades. Whether you're a fan of classical music, jazz, or simply appreciate innovative compositions, this album is sure to impress.
Supraphon A.s.Supraphon A.s.
Tracks
Esquisses de Jazz. Six Pieces Faciles pour Piano: No. 1, RagErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Esquisses de Jazz. Six Pieces Faciles pour Piano: No. 2, BostonErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Esquisses de Jazz. Six Pieces Faciles pour Piano: No. 3, TangoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Esquisses de Jazz. Six Pieces Faciles pour Piano: No. 4, BluesErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Esquisses de Jazz. Six Pieces Faciles pour Piano: No. 5, CharlestonErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Esquisses de Jazz. Six Pieces Faciles pour Piano: No. 6, Black BottomErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten, Lustige Klavierstücke für grosse und kleine Kinder: No. 1, Papa. Allegro moltoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten, Lustige Klavierstücke für grosse und kleine Kinder: No. 2, Mama. Allegretto graziosoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten, Lustige Klavierstücke für grosse und kleine Kinder: No. 3, Da... da. AndantinoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten, Lustige Klavierstücke für grosse und kleine Kinder: No. 4, Hopp... hopp. PrestoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten, Lustige Klavierstücke für grosse und kleine Kinder: No. 5, A... a. Andante con motoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Ostinato, Sechs familiäre Angelegenheiten, Lustige Klavierstücke für grosse und kleine Kinder: No. 6, Trara. AllegroErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Music für Klavier, Op. 35: No. 1, VorspielErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Music für Klavier, Op. 35: No. 2, Thema mit VariationenErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Music für Klavier, Op. 35: No. 3, Vivo e giocosoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Music für Klavier, Op. 35: No. 4, Nachspiel. Molto rubato e quasi improvisandoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 1, LentoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 2, Allegro moltoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 3, LentoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 4, AllegrettoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 5, Deciso. Allegro ma non troppoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 6, Andantino rubatoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 7, ModeratoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 8, Adagio espressivoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 9, Presto leggieroErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 10, AndantinoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Elf Inventionen: No. 11, Moderato brutalementeErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 1, Sehr einfach und ruhigErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 2, Mit BrutalitätErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 3, EinfachErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 4, SchnellErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 5, FliessendErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 6, BrutalErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 7, Sehr fliessendErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 8, Ruhige BewegungErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 9, Mit AufschwungErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Zehn Klavierstücke, Op. 20: No. 10, Ruhig verklärtErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Studien. Zwei Klavierstücke: No. 1, Optimistische Komposition. Moderato con motoErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Studien. Zwei Klavierstücke: No. 2, Den tschechischen Arbeitern. Ub tempo di marciaErwin Schulhoff, Tomáš Víšek
Erwin Schulhoff, born in Prague in 1894, was a pioneering Austro-Czech composer and pianist whose eclectic style and bold experimentation made him a standout figure in early 20th-century music. Schulhoff's compositions spanned a wide range of influences, from Schoenbergian expressionism to Stravinskian neo-classicism, and he was one of the first European composers to integrate jazz into traditional musical forms. His embrace of Dadaism and socialist realism, along with his commitment to communist ideals, reflected his radical artistic vision. Despite his promising career, Schulhoff's life was tragically cut short by the Nazi regime. He was persecuted for his Jewish heritage and died in a concentration camp in 1942. His legacy endures through his innovative and emotionally resonant works, which continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.
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Erwin Schulhoff
