Schulhoff: Suite Dansante En Jazz / Piano Sonata No. 1 / Hot Music

Dive into the eclectic and innovative world of Erwin Schulhoff with this captivating album, released on February 1, 2003, under the BIS label. Spanning a rich 78 minutes, this collection showcases Schulhoff's mastery of chamber music, blending classical elegance with the vibrant energy of jazz.

The album opens with the enchanting "Suite dansante en jazz," a lively suite that dances through various styles—Stomp, Strait, Waltz, Tango, Slow, and Fox-trot—each track a testament to Schulhoff's ability to fuse classical structures with the spontaneity of jazz. Following this is the profound "Piano Sonata No. 1," a four-movement work that ranges from the vigorous "Allegro molto" to the introspective "Molto tranquillo - Allegro agitato," demonstrating Schulhoff's emotional depth and technical prowess.

The "5 Études de jazz" offer a playful exploration of jazz idioms, from the rhythmic "Charleston" to the sultry "Blues," and culminate in the virtuosic "Toccata sur le shimmy 'Kitten on the keys' de Zez Confrey." The "Suite No. 2" further showcases Schulhoff's versatility, with movements like the "Preludio" and "Gigue" highlighting his ability to craft both delicate melodies and fiery rhythms.

The "11 Inventionen, Op. 36" provide a more traditional yet equally engaging experience, each piece offering a unique blend of tempo and mood, from the serene "Lento" to the dynamic "Moderato brutalemente." The album concludes with "Hot-music, 10 Studies in Syncopation," a collection of ten syncopated pieces that are as challenging as they are captivating.

Erwin Schulhoff's work on this album is a celebration of musical innovation, offering a rich tapestry of styles and emotions that will resonate with both classical and jazz enthusiasts alike.