Hamelin: Godowsky – Strauss transcriptions and other waltzes (APE)

Performer: Marc-André Hamelin
Composer: Leopold Godowsky
Audio CD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: APE (image+cue)
Label: Hyperion
Size: 179 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

01. Symphonic metamorphosis of themes from Johann Strauss’s ‘Kunstlerleben’
02. Fantasies for Piano ‘Walzermasken’: no 2, Pastell
03. Fantasies for Piano ‘Walzermasken’: no 14, Französisch
04. Fantasies for Piano ‘Walzermasken’: no 22, Wienerisch
05. Fantasies for Piano ‘Walzermasken’: no 24, Portrait Johann Strauss
06. Symphonic metamorphosis of themes from ‘Die Fledermaus’
07. Triakontameron: no 4, Rendezvous
08. Triakontameron: no 11, Alt Wien
09. Triakontameron: no 13, Terpsichorean Vindobona
10. Triakontameron: no 21, The Salon
11. Triakontameron: no 25, Erinnerungen
12. Symphonic metamorphosis of Johann Strauss’s ‘Wein, Weib und Gesang’ Waltzes
13. Der letzte Walzer: Act I Waltz – Oscar Straus

Hamelin triumphs again

In this recording, Godowsky’s imaginative approach to transcription and his virtuosic pianistic skills are equally matched by Marc-Andre Hamelin’s unrivalled artistry. Indeed, while I have heard some of these pieces dismissed by others as mere ‘salon music’, under Hamelin’s care they emerge as works of substantial merit, as appropriate to the concert platform as any major work. And what often sounds like a physical struggle in the hands of some pianists, emerges here as part of Hamelin’s bread and butter diet. Not a negative comment about his playing skills, I hasten to say; but an indication that he makes it possible for the listener to move beyond the momentary illusion of finger fireworks and enjoy the mood and imagery evoked by Godowsky’s creative flair. My hope is that other pianists will give serious consideration to including the best of these pieces in their repertoire. In the meantime, top marks to Hamelin for bringing more of Godowsky’s work to our attention.