Product Description

This is a beautiful collection of rare piano works by Moniuszko, Szymanowski, Kuhlau, Villa-Lobos among others. This new album by Felicja Blumental sees her drawing on her Polish background, demonstrating her deep understanding of the works by Moniuszko, Chopin and Szymanowski, while exposing her dexterity through Villa-Lobos’ Three Maries, her dramatic version of Kabalewski’s Sonatine and in the Presto of Beethoven’s infamous “Mooonlight Sonata.” The title track of the album is a particular highlight that is also available as a vocal work. Moniuszko often used the melodies and rhythmic patterns of Polish folk tunes for his compositions and this work demonstrates shows just that. The poignant Siciliana by Bach and the Menuet d’Orphee by Gluck provide some light refreshments among a bustle of fantastically vibrant piano pieces.

Track Listing

1. Moniuszko (arr. Melcer): The Spinning Girl
2. J.S. Bach (arr. Galston) : Siciliana
3. Corelli: Sarabanda
4. Gluck: Menuet d' Orphee
5. Beethoven: Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 “Moonlight” - Adagio
6. Beethoven: Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 “Moonlight” - Allegretto
7. Beethoven: Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 “Moonlight” - Presto
8. Kuhlau: Sonatine in C, Op. 20, No. 1 – Allegro
9. Kuhlau: Sonatine in C, Op. 20, No. 1 – Andante
10. Kuhlau: Sonatine in C, Op. 20, No. 1 - Rondo
11. Schubert: Impromptu op. 142, No. 1
12. Chopin: Mazurka, Op. 68, No. 2
13. Szymanowski: Etude No. 1
14. Szymanowski: Etude No. 3
15. Szymanowski: Prelude Op. 1, No. 1
16. Szymanowski: Prelude Op. 1, No. 7
17. Villa-Lobos: The Three Marias - Alnitah
18. Villa-Lobos: The Three Marias - Alnilam
19. Villa-Lobos: The Three Marias - Mintika
20. Khachaturian: Toccata
21. Kabalewski: Sonatine
22. Kurt Weill: Tango Ballade

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #568621 in Music
• Released on: 2005-03-14
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import

Review
“Felicja Blumental’s big and bold performances placed her among the finest pianists of the 20th century.” --Yorkshire Post, December 2004

Review
“Blumental’s performances are light powerful and above all lyrical” --All Music Guide, April 2004.