Charles Valentin Alkan: Esquisses, Op. 63

1. Motifs (48) for piano ("Esquisses"), Op. 63
Composed by Charles-Valentin Alkan
with Laurent Martin

Tracks:

Etude No.1: Comme Le Vent
Etude No.2: En Rythme Molossique
Etude No.3: Scherzo Diabolico
Etude No.4: Sym-First Movt: Allegro
Etude No.5: Sym-Second Movt: Marche Funebre
Etude No.6: Sym-Third Movt: Menuet
Etude No.7: Sym-Fourth Movt: Finale
Nocturne in B, Op.22
Allegro Barbaro: Etudes, Op.35 No.5
Assez Vivement: Chants, Op.38 No.1
J'etait Endormie, Mais Mon Coeur Veillait: Prlds, Op.31 No.13
Le Staccatissimo: Esquisses, Op.63 No.2
Les Cloches: Esquisses, Op.63 No.4
Les Soupirs: Esquisses, Op.63 No.11
En Songe: Esquisses, Op.63 No.48
Gros Temps: Les Mois, Op.74 1st Ste No.1
Barcarolle: Chants, Op.65 No.6
La Chanson De La Folle Au Bord De La Mer: Prlds, Op.13 No.8
Le Temps Qui N'est Plus: Prlds, Op.31 No.12

Tracks:

Etude No.8: Con-First Movt: Allegro Assai
Etude No.9: Con-Second Movt: Adagio
Etude No.10: Con-Third Movt: Allegretto Alla Barberesca
Etude No.11: Ov
Etude No.12: Le Festin D'Esope

Amazon.com

Alkan's gargatuan Op. 39 Etudes embody a symphony (Etudes 4-7), a solo concertos (Etudes 8-10), an overture (No. 11), and a riotous set of 25 variations depicting the animals of Aesop's fables (No. 12, La festin d'Esope). The music demands boundless technique and stamina, which Jack Gibbons supplies in spades. He dives headfirst into the treacherous writing, letting the chips fall where they may. One can't really top Marc-Andre Hamelin's unflappable proficiency in the concertos, yet Gibbons rougher, leonine demeanor thrusts Alkan's Dionysiac qualities more to the fore. Bet you can't digest this yummy 12-plus course piano feast all in one sitting! --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

The embodiment of FURY.......2004-09-24

Gibbons' occasional technical vulnerabilities give these performances a human edge missing from hamelin's recordings. Alkan's op39 is music the pianist must fight with. Blood and sweat are a must. Its raw fury can be lost when cooly presented (ala Hamelin). The symphony finale oozes raw excitement under Gibbons' hands. Like in a disaster movie, we root for the protagonist and hope he survives through to the end. A most rewarding experience.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Completely over the top!.......2003-08-04

The main differences between this recording and the only other complete recording of the minor key etudes by Ronald Smith are:

1. Superior sound
2. A virtuosity that must be heard to be believed. Gibbons plays fast, Gibbons plays loud, Gibbons plays soft, Gibbons plays all the notes, and all the while Gibbons plays them musically! A truly remarkable performance of some very complex music.

But the recording by Smith has much going for it too. In an ideal world, if you're a fan of Alkan, get both recordings. I've got them both!

Good alternative........2002-11-02

It's a good alternative to Hamelin's recordings. With a really wilder approach!!

(No title)........2000-12-15

Comme Le Vent, Like the wind, is a firey, unrelenting deluge of notes which, if played at Alkan's specified metronome marking, travels at the rate of 160 bars per minute -- 20 densely packed pages in just 4'30," and Gibbons falls unbelievably only 7 seconds short! En Rhythm Molossique and Scherzo Diabolico, both technically wicked compositions, receive commanding and sure-footed performances. The Symphony further demonstates Gibbons proficiency in adherence to tempo and metronome markings inspite of taxing athletic and visceral demands, giving it a great sense of impetus, space, and drive. The Concerto, in his hands, is less classical and crisp than Hamelin's, but more wildly romantic; an extraordinary feat of virtuosity. Le festin d'Esope and Allegro Barbaro in all their fiendish and barbaric virtuosity get very poetic readings, very rare indeed... The more slow pieces all fall within the heartbeat, receiving sensitive, simple, and atmospheric performances... Gibbons is an Alkan interpreter of exceptional authority, and I cannot wait until his next release (of anything). In excellent sound, this very generous two-CD set is a TOP recommendation!

An incredible recording! Gibbons' Alkan is superb!.......1999-09-04

Alkan's Magnum Opus (39) has been seen recorded many times over the past years in part, as well as in whole. Jack Gibbons demonstrates that his interpretation of this monstrously challenging set stands at the very top of the list. Out of the 250+ CDs I own, I would have to say that this is the best. Gibbons' "Comme le Vent" is breathtakingly virtuostic and full of velocity. His "En Rythm Molossique" is a great wall of power and control, his "Scherzo Diabolique", feindish and scary. This recording of the "Symphonie" is fantastic, second only to Lewenthal's. His "Concerto" is very ordered, the finale a dazzling display of pianism (despite the missed note in the final black-key run). The "Ouverture" is the best recorded yet, and shows the true depth of Alkan's creations; I could write a review on just this piece! His "Festin" is a bit slow, but he never overexagerates the tempos. The other pieces added to the first disc ruin one's picture of the all-out-bravura crazed Alkan, replacing it with a sensitive, profound one. This CD is truly incredible. If you have any affection for Art Music whatsoever, this recording is a must have!

Alkan: The Railway and other Piano Works

Average customer rating:

Charles Valentin Alkan: "The Berlioz of piano"
(No title).
Great value for money

Alkan: The Railway and other Piano Works

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Esquisses Op 63
Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39
Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith
Alkan: Sonate de Concert; Grand Duo Concertant; Piano Trio
Alkan: Piano Music, Volume 1: 12 Etudes, Op. 35

ASIN: B00000148O
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

No.1: Lentement
No.13: J'etais Endormie, Mais Mon Coeur Veillait...(Cantique Des Cantiques, 5:2), Lentement
No.17: Reve D'amour
No.25: Priere: Lentement
No.1: Andantino
No.3: Vivace
Le Chemin De Fer, Op.27
No.6 In B Flat - Bernard Ringeissen
No. 8 In A Flat - Bernard Ringeissen
No.12 In E Major - Bernard Ringeissen
Marche Funebre: Andantino, Op.39, No.5 - Bernard Ringeissen
No.1: La Vision
No.2: Le Staccatissimo
No.3: Le Legatissimo
No.4: Les Cloches
No.5: Les Inities
No.8: Pseudo-Naivete
No.10: Increpatio
No.13: Ressouvenir
No.16: Fantaisie
No.18: Liedchen
No.21: Morituri Te Salutant
No.32: Minuettino
No.38: Les Bons Souhaits
No.43: Notturnino-Innamorato
No.48: En Songe
Scherzo Diabolico, Op.39, No.3 - Bernard Ringeissen

Customer Reviews:

Charles Valentin Alkan: "The Berlioz of piano".......2006-07-26

The weird creative universe of Alkan, his well marked introspection as well as his febrile activity in which concerns the expressive possibilities of the piano, surrounded him of a sort of mysterious halo.

His introspectiveness exerted on the audiences, caution, veiled admiration and a certain misgiving. His lyricism was not precisely direct. He faded into oblivion until the second half of the XX Century when Roland Smith, John Ogdon, Raymond Lewenthal, Michael Ponti, Bernard Ringeissen and lastly the renowned pianist Marc Andre Hamelin have really worried to make of him a better known composer, and judging by the nourished list of new recordings of Alkan, the result has been pretty fruitful.

This album presents a set of interesting piano pieces, that it would be extremely advisable to take into account, in case you are a true musical archeologist, incessantly active for searching the enormous number of unknown Op. and treasures to find out.

Laurent Martin is solvent pianist with a broad range of sonorities. Ringeissen is besides other untiring pianist always receptive to new sounds.

Iron horse, Op. 27 is perhaps, the most astonishing and original piece of the album, plenty of suggestive sonorities and wild beauty.

(No title)........2000-12-15

This is an excellent, excellent disc. However, the content is only selections duplicated from complete recorded performances previously available (in their entirety) on Marco Polo by Bernard Ringeissen and Laurent Martin... This is an excellent introduction to Alkan, no doubt, and the price is beautiful! However, you may be a little wary after buying this (which is basically a great hits compilation) to go for the more serious stuff available elsewhere... Most likely unnecessary purchases for Alkaholics.

Great value for money.......2000-10-06

I'm not really a great fan of Naxos. I am, however, a great fan of romantic pianists, and since Alkan was one of the and the Naxos recording was the only one I could get...well, I had to buy it! And I'm glad I did. This recording is amazing! First of all, I was amazed by the many aspects in Alkans music, but even more so by the quality of the recording. Ever note stands out and is perfectly clear (well, as clear as can be when it's alkan we are talking about!). The two performers are obviously the right choice for this recording and it's a shame that I haven't heard of them before. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Alkans music, this is $6 well spend...just wait till you hear "The Railway", that is simply amazing, it's a wonder that anyone is actually playing like that! a really good cheap recording like this is hard to find, so do yourself a favour and buy it!

Musique française: Alkan, Hahn, d'Indy, Jadin, Saint-Saëns (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Musique française: Alkan, Hahn, d'Indy, Jadin, Saint-Saëns (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Valois
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005R2KU
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Charles Valentin Alkan: Esquisses, Op. 63

Average customer rating:

(No title).

Charles Valentin Alkan: Esquisses, Op. 63
Charles Valentin Alkan , and Laurent Martin (piano)
Manufacturer: Marco Polo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000045WP
Release Date: 1992-12-17

Tracks:

Esquisses, Op. 63: La Vision
Esquisses, Op. 63: Le Staccatissimo
Esquisses, Op. 63: Le Legatissimo
Esquisses, Op. 63: Les Cloches
Esquisses, Op. 63: Les Initi
Esquisses, Op. 63: Fuguette
Esquisses, Op. 63: Le Frisson
Esquisses, Op. 63: Pseudo-Nat
Esquisses, Op. 63: Confidence
Esquisses, Op. 63: Increpatio
Esquisses, Op. 63: Les Soupirs
Esquisses, Op. 63: Barcarollette
Esquisses, Op. 63: Ressouvenir
Esquisses, Op. 63: Duettino
Esquisses, Op. 63: Tutti de Concerto dans le genre ancien
Esquisses, Op. 63: Fantaisie
Esquisses, Op. 63: Petit Prde
Esquisses, Op. 63: Liedchen
Esquisses, Op. 63: Graces
Esquisses, Op. 63: Petite Marche Villageoise
Esquisses, Op. 63: Morituri te salutant
Esquisses, Op. 63: Innocenza
Esquisses, Op. 63: L'Homme aux Sabots
Esquisses, Op. 63: Contredanse
Esquisses, Op. 63: La Poursuite
Esquisses, Op. 63: Petit Air
Esquisses, Op. 63: Rigaudon
Esquisses, Op. 63: Inflexibilit
Esquisses, Op. 63: Dre
Esquisses, Op. 63: Petit Air Dolent
Esquisses, Op. 63: Dt de Quator
Esquisses, Op. 63: Minuettino
Esquisses, Op. 63: Fais Dodo
Esquisses, Op. 63: Odi profanum vulgus et arceo
Esquisses, Op. 63: Musique Militaire
Esquisses, Op. 63: Toccatina
Esquisses, Op. 63: Scherzettino
Esquisses, Op. 63: Les Bons Souhaits
Esquisses, Op. 63: Hclite et Dcrite
Esquisses, Op. 63: Attendez - moi sous l'orme
Esquisses, Op. 63: Les Enharmoniques
Esquisses, Op. 63: Petit Air
Esquisses, Op. 63: Notturnino - Innamorato
Esquisses, Op. 63: Transports
Esquisses, Op. 63: Les Diablotins
Esquisses, Op. 63: Le Premier Billet Doux
Esquisses, Op. 63: Scherzetto
Esquisses, Op. 63: En Songe
Esquisses, Op. 63: Laus Deo

Customer Reviews:

(No title)........2000-12-15

Alkan's Esquisses, perfect self-contained miniatures, rank among his most important works. More interested in a courageously forward-looking breath of mood than technical display, these pieces are essential for newcomers and veterans alike. Martin's performances are sharply etched and beautifully crafted, recorded very well. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Fine works, but uninvolved interpretation.

Alkan: Esquisses, Op. 63

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope

ASIN: B00008IHWG
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Customer Reviews:

Fine works, but uninvolved interpretation........2003-05-15

Speaking to the man after a dazzling concert on April 11 this year, Marc-Andre Hamelin broke the sad news that he has no plans for further Alkan recordings. While I do agree with his assessment "I think I have done my share of Alkan and there is so much other great music waiting to be recorded", it was a hard blow nevertheless.

Yet, Hyperion is continuing the Alkan revival here with Osborne's version of the Esquisses. I have greatly enjoyed Osborne's recording of the Tovey and Mackenzie piano concertos and his groundbreaking Kapustin cd. Especially, after hearing some of the Kapustin pieces of that recording by the composer himself it became clear how much Osborne the musician had contributed to the disc's final result.

In the liner notes accompanying this generous cd the pianist declares: "It is with an element of bemusement that I find myself writing this introduction to an album of Alkan piano music, because two years ago I would have thought myself as likely now to be selling baseball cards on the Shopping Channel". While he goes on declaring that his study of Alkan's opus 63 has given him a lot of appreciation for the composer, his interpretation didn't give me the impression that these 48 pieces came straight from the heart.

Alkan's Esquises appeared in 1861, but were composed over a 14 year period. The works consists of 48 pieces plus a "Laus Deo" encore, divided over 4 books of 12 each. The individual Esquises vary in length between 30 seconds to 4.5 minutes and take the listener twice through the 24 keys. Before this recording I was only familiar with nrs. 46 and 47 through Hamelin's "Composer-Pianists" cd and encountering the additional 47 pieces here further deepened my appreciation for this neglected and underestimated composer.

Paraphrasing Forest Gump the Esquises are a box with 49 chocolates that always keep you guessing what is next. While the work as a whole may not rank among Alkan's very best, they exude so much ingenuity and individual style that Hyperion deserves kudos for continuation of "operation Alkan".

Yet, it pains me to say so, but Osborne disappoints me here. While his splendid technique and musicality would make him an Alkan player par excellence, he is rather distant and cool here and never even comes close the Hamelin's Himalayan Heights. A comparison of nrs. 46 and 47 by both pianists just exemplifies Osborne's lack of fire. Moreover, throughout the work Osborne seems never willing to go all the way in Alkan's bravura passages and gives one the impression that he considers the tenderness, that Hamelin displayed in Alkan's bacarolle Opus 65, downright silly.