Presents
Ignaz Friedman
Piano Quintet in c minor
Ignaz Friedman (1882-1948) was born in a small town outside of the the city of Krokov. He was a child prodigy on the piano and studied with some of the foremost teachers in both Germany and Austria after which he pursued a career as a touring soloist. He was widely considered to be in the first rank of the leading pianists of his day. Like most piano virtuosi who also composed, the majority of the works he wrote were for piano.
His Piano Quintet in c minor dates from 1918 and is in three movements. It is by turns dramatic, somber and melancholy. Critics have suggested that it was a reflection of the times, specifically World War I. Others have noted it may in part have been due to his father's recent death. They point to the Polish folk melodies which appear in the final movement. The opening movement, Allegro maestoso, burst forth in dramatic fashion leading to a theme of great turbulence full of downward plunging chromaticism. The second subject could not be more different. It is a sweet waltz-like subject. The second movement, Larghetto, though no so marked is actually a theme and set of variations, each with its own tempo. Theme is a dark, melancholy, bleak,and somewhat jazzy melody. The finale. Allegretto semplice, is subtitled Epilog. It mixes Polish folk melody with elements of French impressionism
This is a powerful and impressive work sure to make a strong impression if presented in concert. It has been unavailable for a very long time and we are proud to bring it back
Parts: $39.95
