The Romantic Piano Concerto, Vol. 44 - Melcer-Szczawinski: Piano Concertos - Jonathan Plowright, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christoph König

Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor[28'49]
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[37'16]
4
Allegro moderato[14'42]
5
Andante non troppo lento[12'19]
6
Allegro con fuoco[10'15]

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.