Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Zygmunt Stojowski's Piano Concertos with this exquisite 2002 release from Hyperion Records. This album, "Stojowski: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2," features the renowned pianist Jonathan Plowright, accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Martyn Brabbins. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, the album is a testament to Stojowski's mastery of the Romantic concerto form, showcasing his unique voice and technical brilliance.
The album opens with the dramatic and impassioned Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 3, a work that immediately grabs the listener's attention with its rich harmonies and virtuosic piano writing. The second concerto, Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations," is a tour de force of compositional ingenuity, featuring a series of variations that display Stojowski's inventive spirit and deep understanding of musical form.
Throughout the album, Plowright's playing is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, bringing out the full range of emotions in Stojowski's music. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra provides sensitive and nuanced support, ensuring that every note of the orchestral parts is heard with clarity and precision.
This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the Romantic piano concerto repertoire, offering a fascinating glimpse into the work of a composer who, despite his historical significance, remains relatively unknown today. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Stojowski: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 3: I. Andante poco mosso – Allegro un poco maestosoZygmunt Stojowski, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright
Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 3: II. Andante sostenuto e molto cantabileZygmunt Stojowski, Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 3: III. Allegro con fuoco – Presto – Più prestoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": I. Prologue. Andante con motoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins, Jonathan Plowright
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": II. Scherzo. PrestoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIa. Theme. Maestoso e moderato moltoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIb. Var. 1. Molto sostenutoZygmunt Stojowski, Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIc. Var. 2. Con espressione poco rubatoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIId. Var. 3. Più mossoZygmunt Stojowski, Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIe. Var. 4. AllegrettoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIf. Var. 5. Molto vivaceZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIg. Var. 6. Con fuoco, agitatoZygmunt Stojowski, Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIh. Var. 7. Con moto, energicoZygmunt Stojowski, Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIi. Var. 8. Andante sostenutoZygmunt Stojowski, Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIj. Var. 9. Andantino ben moderatoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 32 "Prologue, Scherzo & Variations": IIIk. Var. 10. Finale. Allegro moltoZygmunt Stojowski, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Plowright, Martyn Brabbins