Description
The piano concertos of Ernst Krenek (1900–91) are major contributions to the twentieth-century repertoire, comparable to those of Bartók, Prokofiev, Schoenberg and Shostakovich, but astonishingly two of them have never had commercial recordings – an omission this series seeks to redress. Piano Concertos Nos. 1–3, written between 1923 and 1946, show Krenek throwing off the constraints of tonality in favour of a freewheeling, individual use of twelve-tone technique, brimming with colour and often animated with a keen sense of wit.
“A witty and mercurial masterpiece. Electric performances, all.”
Recording of the Week (May 2016).
Best Recordings of 2016. The Sunday Times
“These well-sprung performances benefit from the sharply focused acoustic of the Wyastone Concert Hall… with a forthright and eloquent soloist in Mikhail Korzhev, there’s no mistaking the edgy fervour of Krenek at his best.” Gramophone
“On the evidence of the first three, magisterially delivered by Korzhev, they should rank at least with Prokofiev and Hindemith. The accompanying English Symphony Orchestra are somewhat out of theirusual area, but seem to relish their role under the firm direction of Kenneth Woods, doing for Krenek here what he did previously for Gál—five stars” International Piano
“The orchestra is impeccably drilled throughout: it sounds like they play these works as regularly as they would the accompaniments to a Beethoven Concerto. Unhesitatingly, and most enthusiastically, recommended.” Fanfare (Colin Clarke)
“Disque Du Jour” Radio Classique, France, 26 May, 2016
Five Stars. “Mikhail Korzhev proves a superbly stylish, fearless and eloquent exponent, and he enjoys admirable support from a hugely spirited English Symphony Orchestra under Kenneth Woods’s unfailingly cogent lead…Do lend an ear to this brave and rewarding issue.” Andrew Achenbac, Classical Ear
“Both are superb appetisers for Krenek’s startlingly brilliant Third Concerto, its 13 minutes smarter than many 50-minute symphonies. Five short movements have the soloist sparring with different orchestral sections, before a rousing atonal fugue closes proceedings – like a grumpier, dodecaphonic version of Britten’s Young Person’s Guide. At one point the soloist duets with the orchestral harpist by reaching inside the lid and strumming the piano strings. Mikhail Korzhev is a heroic soloist, gamely accompanied by Kenneth Woods’ English Symphony Orchestra. Brass and percussion are particularly impressive. And what good sleeve notes: three essays, by music historian, conductor and pianist respectively. Each one a joy to read and full of insight, outlining with erudition and passionate enthusiasm exactly why these pieces demand to be heard. More please.” The Arts Desk
“Korzhev is just as clear and communicative in this concerto as he is in the easeful Op. 18 – listen to how well he articulates the central Quasi cadenza – and the ESO play with thrilling focus and trenchancy throughout.” MusicWeb International
“Korzhev, who previously has recorded selections from the composer’s solo piano music, proves to be a dedicated and capable guide in this rare repertoire. Conductor Woods (to whom we are indebted for recordings of the symphonies of Hans Gál) is equally proficient, and the English Symphony Orchestra gives no indication that this is not music they have lived with for years.” Fanfare (Philip Scott)
“What is probably most important, however, is that all three of the concertos on this album are easily accommodating to the inquisitive and attentive listener. Toccata Classics seems to make the case that listening to Krenek should be a journey of discovery; and, from that point of view, both Korzhev and Woods are excellent “guides” for those who commit to making that journey”The Examiner
“I cannot imagine finer performances of Ernst Krenek’s piano concertos than these from Mikhail Korzhev with the English Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Woods” The Classical Reviewer
“The playing can never be faulted for accuracy or balance. Ken Woods leads vibrant readings” Classical CD Reviews
“I’m not sure how one should perform the music, my never having heard it before, but I can’t imagine anyone doing it any better than this. Korzhev’s piano playing is scintillating, Woods’s direction is warmly encouraging, and the orchestra is uniformly precise, together giving the score all the interpretive support it could ask for. It’s hard to imagine any other pianist, conductor, or orchestra doing anything more for Krenek’s work.” Classical Candor
“No. 1 of 1923 (premiered by Eduard Erdmann and Scherchen) is tonal but pushing tonal boundaries in creating a richly varied soundscape which should appeal to those interested in the Berlin avant-garde of the Weimar period; No. 2 (1937 with Krenek at the piano and Bruno Walter on the podium) is twelve-tone, but Krenek created his series from a tonal theme which he had started with before deciding to go dodecaphonic; its general character is nocturnal and decadent. No. 3 is back to tonality (1946 with Krenek again and the Minneapolis Symphony under Mitropoulos) is a kind of blend with the “Concerto for Orchestra” genre as the pianist partners with single sections of the orchestra in its five attacca sections, brash, spiky and brimming with color and wit.” Records International
Mikhail Korzhev
English Symphony Orchestra
Kenneth Woods
Catalogue No: TOCC0323
EAN/UPC: 5060113443236
Release Date: 01.03.2016
Composer: Ernst Krenek
Artists: English Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Woods, Mikhail Korzhev
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