DCD 113 - 20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music

20th Century 4-Hand Piano Music. The title for this podcast episode looks like a mouthful, but it accurate describes the music we play this time -- and it also is the name of the recording we feature.

Laurel Records released a unique CD from the piano duo of Margret Elson and Elizabeth Swarthout back in 1996. It does indeed include only music composed by Americans in the 20th Century, written for piano four-hands.

Although that seems to be a fairly narrow focus, the duo still had more than enough music to choose from. The disc opens with "Gazebo Dances" from then young and up-and-coming composer John Corigliano. It's a treat to hear this seldom-performed work.

The release surveys the field well. Included are duos by earlier composers such as Wallingford Rieger and Vincent Persichetti, as well as a 1996 composition by Claire Polin.

All in all, it's an exciting program of music that, because it's for piano duo, is not often heard by the public.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to listen to our podcast! Just click on the link below:

DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #113 - 20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play selections from "20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music" by the Elon-Swarthout Duo. Including:

John Corigliano: Gazebo Dances, Mvts. 1 & 2

Vincent Pershicetti: Concerto for Piano 4 Hands (final mvt.)

Claire Polin: Phantasmagoria

Wallingford Rieger: Evocation

DCD 098 - Mark Zestler Plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev

In this edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast we showcase a remarkable 1995 release from Laurel Records. Renowned pianist Mark Zeltser teamed up with his fellow countryman, conductor Rudolf Barshai, to record two mainstays for piano and orchestra from their native Russia.

The Prokofiev Third Piano Concerto, Op. 26 bristles with emotion and energy in this recording. Zeltser captures Prokofiev's sly humor, while easily dealing with the massive technical challenges of the work.

Also on the CD is Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for piano and orchestra, Op. 43, another work that really puts the pianist through his paces. In this podcast we can only play an excerpt of this work due to time constraints, but rest assured the entire composition is well worth a listen. Zeltser and Barshai work in tandem to make this piece come alive.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #098 - Zeltser Plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev

- Ralph Graves

This episode we play:

Prokofiev: Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 26, Mvt. 1
The Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Barshai, conductor
Mark Zeltzer, pianist
A Laurel Records release

Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for piano and orchestra, Op. 43, final variations
The Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Barshai, conductor
Mark Zeltzer, pianist
A Laurel Records release

DCD 087 - Wolfram Lorenzen, Piano Concertos

Wolfram Lorenzen is a talented pianist, recording on the Troubadisc label. This latest release, Wolfram Lorenzen, Piano Concertos,  features three of his concerto recordings, done throughout his career.

This episode of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" we give you a sampling of Lorenzen's artistry. You'll hear Lorenzen both in the studio in a spirited rendition of the Mendelssohn Capriccio Brilliant for piano and orchestra. Then we play an excerpt from his thrilling live performance of the Max Reger Piano Concerto in F minor.


DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #087: Wolfram Lorenzen, Piano Concertos

And remember -- you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just a computer, like the one you're using no.

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Felix Mendelssohn: Capriccio brilliant for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 22
Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra; Ernest Bour, conductor
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc


Max Reger: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F minor, Op. 114
Mvt. 3, Allegro con spirito
St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra; Rienhard Petersen, conductor
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

DCD 081 - American Journey

Clipper Erickson has long been a champion of American music. So it only make sense that this talented pianist would eventually record an album of said music.

"American Journey" is showcased in episode #81 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. We sample selections from some of the better-known composers, such as Roy Harris and Quincy Porter. We also feature music from composers deserving more attention, such as Nathaniel Dett, the son of former slaves, and Rubin Goldmark, who at one time counted George Gershwin (also represented on the CD) as one of his students.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Roy Harris: American Ballads, Nos. 1-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

Rubin Goldmark: Prairie Idylls, Nos. 2-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

Nathaniel Dett: In the Bottoms, mvts. 4-5
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

Quincy Porter: Piano Sonata, mvts. 2-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR