Dive into the captivating world of Erwin Schulhoff's "Piano Music," a comprehensive collection of his piano works released in 2009. This album is a testament to Schulhoff's unique blend of classical training and his love for jazz and popular music, making it a fascinating exploration of early 20th-century musical innovation.
The album features a wide range of compositions, from the intricate and expressive Piano Sonatas No. 1 and No. 3 to the playful and rhythmic "5 Pittoresken, Op. 31," which includes pieces like "Foxtrott" and "Ragtime." Schulhoff's ability to fuse classical structures with the energetic spirit of jazz is evident throughout, offering a fresh and dynamic listening experience.
Also included are the "5 Grotesken, Op. 21" and "5 Burlesken, Op. 23," which showcase Schulhoff's wit and musical versatility, as well as the "Ironies, Op. 34," a set of six pieces that highlight his ability to convey a range of emotions and moods. The album concludes with a selection of shorter pieces, including "Dein kokettes Lacheln," "Butterfly," and "Tango," each offering a glimpse into Schulhoff's diverse musical interests.
Erwin Schulhoff, an Austro-Czech composer and pianist, was a prolific and innovative musician whose career was tragically cut short by the rise of the Nazi regime. His music, however, has seen a resurgence in recent decades, and this album is a perfect introduction to his piano works. With a duration of over two hours, "Piano Music" is a rich and rewarding exploration of Schulhoff's musical genius, performed with skill and sensitivity by Margarete Babinsky.
2009 Phoenix2009 Phoenix
Tracks
Piano Sonata No. 1: I. Allegro moltoErwin Schulhoff, Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata No. 1: II. Molto tranquillo - Allegro agitatoErwin Schulhoff, Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata No. 1: III. Allegro moderato grotescoErwin Schulhoff, Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata No. 1: IV. Allegro moltoErwin Schulhoff, Margarete Babinsky
Erwin Schulhoff, born in Prague in 1894, was a pioneering Czech composer and pianist whose career was tragically cut short by the Nazi regime. A true innovator, Schulhoff was one of the first European composers to embrace jazz, incorporating dance forms like ragtime, tango, and foxtrot into his piano works. His music is known for its adventurous and muscular qualities, reflecting his wide range of influences and forward-thinking approach. Despite his premature death in the Wülzburg concentration camp in 1942, Schulhoff's compositions continue to captivate audiences with their power and variety. His legacy as a composer who was ahead of his time endures, making his music a compelling exploration of 20th-century musical evolution.
Vinylscout
Erwin Schulhoff
