Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Earl Wild, the legendary piano virtuoso, with his comprehensive collection of transcriptions and original works, "The Piano Music of Earl Wild." Released posthumously in 2010, this album is a testament to Wild's extraordinary talent and his significant contributions to the classical piano repertoire.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, showcasing Wild's prowess as both a transcriber and a composer. The centerpiece is the Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess, a spectacular pianistic exploration of Gershwin's beloved opera, highlighting Wild's ability to transform orchestral works into brilliant solo piano performances. The album also includes his Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin, each a showcase of technical brilliance and musical depth, and his Piano Sonata, a three-movement work that demonstrates his compositional skill.
Wild's improvisational genius is on full display in his variations on "Someone to Watch Over Me," where he explores different styles and rhythms, from a delicate Barcarolle to a lively Brazilian Dance and a passionate Tango. Each piece is a testament to his boundless creativity and technical mastery.
Recorded by the young Chinese-American pianist Xiayin Wang, this album captures the essence of Wild's music with precision and passion. Wang's performances are marked by their clarity, expressiveness, and virtuosic flair, making this album a fitting tribute to one of the 20th century's greatest pianists.
With a duration of over an hour and nineteen minutes, "The Piano Music of Earl Wild" offers a comprehensive journey through the works of this remarkable artist. Whether you're a longtime fan of Earl Wild or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2010 Chandos Records2010 Chandos Records
Tracks
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: IntroductionEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: I. Jasbo Brown BluesEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: II. SummertimeEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: III. Oh, I Can't Sit DownEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: IV. My Man's Gone NowEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: V. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'Earl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: VI. Buzzard SongEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: VII. It Ain't Necessarily SoEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: VIII. Bess, You is My Woman NowEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: IX. I Loves You, Porgy - Bess, You is My Woman NowEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: X. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New YorkEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Grand Fantasy on Porgy and Bess: XI. Oh Lawd, I'm on My WayEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 3, LizaEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 5, Somebody Loves MeEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 7, The Man I LoveEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 4, Embraceable YouEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 2, Oh, Lady, Be Good!Earl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 1, I Got RhythmEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Seven Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No. 6, Fascinating RhythmEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Improvisation on Someone to Watch Over Me: ThemeEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Improvisation on Someone to Watch Over Me: Variation I. BarcarolleEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Improvisation on Someone to Watch Over Me: Variation II. Brazilian DanceEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Improvisation on Someone to Watch Over Me: Variation III. TangoEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Piano Sonata: I. March. AllegroEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Piano Sonata: II. AdagioEarl Wild, Xiayin Wang
Piano Sonata: III. Toccata (à la Ricky Martin)Earl Wild, Xiayin Wang