Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 11

Heifetz’s series of arrangements and transcriptions for violin and piano reveal just how tasteful and refined a musician he was. Crafted with precision, and played with passion, they are alive with his stylistic awareness. Whether in his Rachmaninov transcriptions or in Robert Russell Bennett’s A Song Sonata, Heifetz lavished equal care on these gems and they enriched his concert programmes. They also proved hugely popular on disc – thirteen pieces come from a 1960 LP famously called ‘Heifetz’ – and their variety, virtuosity and sheer beauty remain imperishable examples of the art of the violin.

Mark Obert-Thorn, reissue producer and audio restoration engineer

The musical expression of German Romanticism is the theme of this disc. The trajectory of Schumann’s Konzertstück, Op. 86, written for four horns and orchestra, goes from heroism to introspection. Two of his Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13, were orchestrated by no less a figure than Tchaikovsky, while Albert Parlow orchestrated four of Brahms’ most exciting Hungarian Dances. Mendelsssohn’s Overture to his Ballad Opera Die Heimkehr aus der Fremde (Song and Stranger) embodies classical virtues. Anton Webern’s Langsamer Satz for string quartet has been vibrantly orchestrated by Gerard Schwarz. Hans Pfitzner, one of the last representatives of the movement, is represented by his concise, melodic Symphony in C major.

Piano music for 4 hands could be considered as the highest expression of friendship. Under the golden fingers of such major artists such as Boris Berezovsky and Brigitte Engerer, the ever-popular Hungarian Dances, are tenderly outlined with poetry, and their alternate moods of seriousness and happiness.

The Hungarian Dances also reflect the deep expression of reverie as well as the rhythmic energy of Hungarian folklore. Boris Berezovsky and Brigitte Engerer give us some of Brahms best-loved piano pieces in all their beauty.

The Walachowski duo plays arrangements and original works for piano duo on their second CD for Oehms Classics (OC566). This CD includes Brahms Hungarian Dances, Fauré “Dolly” Suite, Rachmaninov’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and a rarity; the six Contredanses by Stanislav Moniuszko, the founder of the Polish National Opera.