Eric Heidsieck, a name synonymous with virtuosity and elegance, presents "The Sparkling Pianist," a captivating journey through the realms of classical piano music. Released on July 31, 2025, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Heidsieck's mastery and his ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions.
Spanning a generous 3 hours and 11 minutes, "The Sparkling Pianist" is a comprehensive exploration of the piano repertoire, featuring works by some of the most celebrated composers in history. From the tempestuous depths of Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 17" to the delicate nuances of Fauré's "Nocturne No. 2," Heidsieck's interpretations are nothing short of breathtaking. The album also showcases his prowess in handling variations, with standout performances of works by Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven himself.
Heidsieck's collaboration with Warner Classics ensures a production of the highest quality, with each note meticulously captured to provide an immersive listening experience. The album's diverse tracklist, ranging from the lively "Valses nobles et sentimentales" by Ravel to the serene "Élégie" by Fauré, offers a rich tapestry of musical emotions and styles.
Eric Heidsieck's "The Sparkling Pianist" is not just an album; it's a celebration of the piano's enduring allure and the artist's unparalleled skill. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album promises a rewarding and enriching experience. Dive into the world of Eric Heidsieck and let the enchanting melodies transport you to a realm of pure musical bliss.
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: III. Allegro vivace assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 1, Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 428: II. FugaGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" from Die Zauberflöte in F Major, Op. 66: Variation ILudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck, Paul Tortelier
Couperin: Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin, Treizième ordre, Les folies françoises ou Les dominos: XII. La Frénésie ou le désespoir, sous le domino noirFrançois Couperin, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: ThemeJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck
Couperin: Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin, Treizième ordre, Les folies françoises ou Les dominos: V. La Fidélité, sous le domino bleuFrançois Couperin, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 4, Assez animéMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus in G Major, WoO 45: Theme. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck, Paul Tortelier
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Couperin: Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin, Treizième ordre, Les folies françoises ou Les dominos: I. La Virginité, sous le domino couleur d'invisibleFrançois Couperin, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Theme and Variations in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 73: Variation XGabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XIIIJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 1, Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 428: I. PraeludiumGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 1, ModéréMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 2, Suite No. 16 in G Major, HWV 441: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormantMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 2, Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 436: IV. GigueGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Theme and Variations in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 73: ThemeGabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: III. Allegro assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 2, Suite No. 16 in G Major, HWV 441: VII. GigueGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 2, Assez lentMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: 7 Variations on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" from The Magic Flute in E-Flat Major, WoO 46: Variation VILudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck, Paul Tortelier
Fauré: Papillon, Op. 77Gabriel Fauré, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": II. Scherzo. Assai vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Debussy: Estampes, CD 108, L. 100: No. 3, Jardins sous la pluieClaude Debussy, Eric Heidsieck
Handel: Keyboard Suites, Vol. 1, Suite No. 4 in E Minor, HWV 429: I. FugaGeorge Frideric Handel, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: IV. Les entretiens de la Belle et de la BêteMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Liszt: Concerto pathétique, S. 258: IV. Andante, quasi marcia funebreFranz Liszt, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 1 in F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: II. Rondo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: I. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. (a) Adagio sostenuto ed espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491: III. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 8, Épilogue. LentMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: FugueJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Nocturne No. 2 in B Major, Op. 33 No. 2Gabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck
Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124: I. Allegro maestosoFranz Liszt, Eric Heidsieck, Pierre Dervaux, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
Roussel: Sonatine pour piano, Op. 16: I. Modéré - Vif et très légerAlbert Roussel, Eric Heidsieck
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eric Heidsieck, Andre Vandernoot, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69: II. ScherzoLudwig van Beethoven, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor Op. 57 "Appassionata": II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: I. OndineMaurice Ravel, Eric Heidsieck
Fauré: Élégie, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré, Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux": I. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Eric Heidsieck
Brahms: Sonata for 2 Pianos in F Minor, Op. 34b: III. Scherzo. AllegroJohannes Brahms, Eric Heidsieck, Tania Heidsieck
Fauré: Nocturne No. 1 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 33 No. 1Gabriel Fauré, Eric Heidsieck