Leonard Pennario: The Early Years 1950-1958, Vol. 2 is a captivating collection of classical piano performances by the renowned pianist Leonard Pennario. Released on MSR Classics in 2006, this album showcases Pennario's exceptional skill and artistry during the early years of his career. The album spans a total of 1 hour and 14 minutes, featuring seven tracks that highlight Pennario's mastery of the classical piano repertoire.
The album opens with Franz Schubert's Fantasia in C Major, Op. 17, a work that Pennario performs with a sense of passion and depth. The three movements of the Fantasia are each distinct, offering a range of emotions and technical challenges that Pennario navigates with ease. Following the Fantasia is Franz Liszt's Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178, a monumental work that Pennario tackles with confidence and precision. The sonata's three movements, including the challenging Fugue and Coda, showcase Pennario's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
The album concludes with César Franck's Prelude, Chorale and Fugue, a work that Pennario performs with a sense of reverence and contemplation. This piece is a testament to Pennario's ability to convey the spiritual and emotional depth of the music.
Leonard Pennario: The Early Years 1950-1958, Vol. 2 is a testament to Leonard Pennario's enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical piano music, and it offers a glimpse into the early years of a truly remarkable artist.