Vladigerov Toccata

[edvond]

Hi all

Have any of you heard the Vladigerov Toccata?  There are a few places to hear it on the internet.  Here is a performance

https://www.fromthetop.org/Programs/Performers.cfm?pid=2028

I just received a copy of the score and was surprised to see that it is very playable up to speed.   It is rarely performed and I think it would make a good audition piece or an audience pleasing end to a recital for a student.
 
What do you think?

[retrouvailles]

This is a great piece that just shows the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Vladigerov's prowess as a composer. The toccata is actually the last of five pieces known as his Episodes, Op. 36. All of the other pieces have just as much quality as the toccata, which unfortunately seems to be the only piece by Vladigerov that gets played with much frequency outside Bulgaria. There are many other pieces of his that I admire, notably his Sonatina Concertante, some of his piano concertos, and the Vardar Rhapsody.

[edvond]

That is really interesting.  Are all his works as easy to play as the Toccata?

Where can I buy the scores to the other works you mentioned?  All I know is Antes, which has only the Improvisation/Toccata and Sonatina.

I would really like to see the other pieces.

Thanks.

[retrouvailles]

Actually, I have no idea where to buy them. I just sort of came upon them one day. There are many recordings of the pieces I mentioned. Some you can find on Amazon. I don't know if they are as easy as the Toccata because I haven't played through them. I know the Sonatina Concertante is quite difficult though, for it is one of the bigger pieces he wrote. Try going here for more information.

[edvond]

Thanks so much for that information.  I will write to Sofia for help in locating some scores and will keep you posted.

[faulty_damper]

The Toccata sounds similar to Ravel's Toccata.  Very similar.  Too similar to be uniquely original.