HENRYK MELCER (1869–1928)

The Romantic Piano Concerto - 44

 

Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor 1892–4 [28'59]

1 Maestoso [13'57]

2 Andantino [4'36]

3 Vivo ma non troppo e poi molto accelerando [10'16]

 

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor 1898 [37'27]

4 Allegro moderato [14'42]

5 Andante non troppo lento [12'19]

6 Allegro con fuoco [10'15]

 

Jonathan Plowright - piano

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / Christoph König

 

Hyperion’s celebrated Romantic Piano Concerto series reaches Volume 44. This disc includes two prize-winning concertos written in the 1890s by the Polish composer-pianist Henryk Melcer.

 

The first is written in the style of Liszt and Chopin, and is notable particularly for its thrilling finale which is marked by its strong Polish character: starting as a mazurka, the accelerando through the movement increases the excitement of the piece, giving it the frenzy of a kujawiak or oberek.

 

The second concerto was also appreciated by contemporary critics for its imaginative use of Polish themes: one reviewer writes of ‘themes full of expression in Polish character that are developed so splendidly and broadly that they leave us enraptured … an unforgettable impression remains after hearing the Concerto’. This work demands particular technical

virtuosity, versatility and stamina on the part of the pianist, who is playing almost continuously.

 

Hyperion CDA67630