Search - Gerald Robbins :: Litolff: Concerto Symphonique No. 4/ Piano Trio, Op. 47

THE RETURN OF THE NOT-SO-FAMOUS "2nd MOVEMENT CONCERTO"

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 08/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"English-born Henry Litolff (1818-1891) penned his Piano Concerto No. 4 ("Concerto Symphonique") in 1851 and from the very opening bars of the first movement, with its grand orchestral flourish and immediate chordal entry and grumbling deep in the bass keys, we are transported back in time to a period where the piano reigned supreme, as did now-forgotten virtuoso pianist/composers like Litolff (aptly dubbed the "English Liszt"), Sgambati, Reinecke, et. al. We are smack dab in the middle of the Romantic period--- with a capital "R"--- where anything, and everything, pianistic was in the offing.



Such is the propensity and feel of this initial Allegro Con Fuoco, an almost fourteen minute tour de force, a whirlwind, a musical cyclone of notes that fly, octaves that take the breath away, tremulous trills, ascending and descending cliffhanger runs... you name it, all built upon an incredible melodic sweep guaranteed to transfix. The famous Scherzo [6:59] is rightfully "graced," and it's easy to hear why it has been pulled, literally, from the concerto and performed disembodied: It has one of the most infectious tunes in the concerto repertoire, bar none, as it prances, ripples and bubbles along merrily. The third movement Adagio Religioso [6:27], speaking of grace, is a lovely, soulful, songful meditative interlude, with an especially beautiful orchestral accompaniment, highlighted near its conclusion by solemn statements in the brass. The Allegro Impetuoso finale [10:54] is absolutely that: an impetuous bravura display of virtuoso piano techniques (probably every one in the book!) built on an ever-increasing unity with the orchestra that escalates to a hair-raising, bang-up coda. (Not for nothing that Litolff named this his Concerto SYMPHONIQUE!)



There is no question in my mind that pianist Gerald Robbins, under the sympathetic baton of Edouard Van Remoortel and the sturdy Monte Carlo Opera Orchestra, has full measure of Litolff and, at every turn and challenge, gives a dazzling performance, often touched by distinction. The vintage 1973 Genesis sound, as well, is full, warm, immediate, with the piano prominent and bold--- as it should be.



Also included on this CD is the composer's memorable Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 47 [31:58] played glowingly and persuasively by the Mirecourt Trio. Noteworthy throughout is Litolff's musical sensitivity, his superb craftsmanship, and his fine lyrical proclivity, especially in the affectionate Andante and fun-filled Scherzo. No quabbles about the sound here, either; it's full and realistic, and happily devoid of any artificial ambience.



[Running time: 69:18]"