Bortkiewicz, Prelude, Op. 40, No. 2 in Bm

[rachfan]

Continuing my survey of the preludes of Sergei Bortkiewicz, this is my recording of his Prelude, Op. 40, No. 2 in Bm composed circa 1931.  Not having heard the piece before preparing it, I was delighted that it comes into bloom from the very start much in the character of a lament.  It’s a lovely piece.

Interestingly, the last section leading to the coda seems to be a nod to J. S. Bach.  I had never read that Bach was considered to be an influence on Bortkiewicz, yet this part of the prelude reminds me of a gentle and deeply moving Bach chorale.  Bortkiewicz writes diverging counterpoint figures and even faux pedal points on the tonic key in the left hand.  And it all fits together so well. 

As an aside, I would not recommend this particular piece for those with smaller hands.  As you’ll hear, double notes occur frequently in the left hand at the interval of a 10th.  If these dyads were to be broken, I believe it would detract from the graceful flow of the long line and overall serenity of the piece.  For chords of a 10th, Bortkiewicz does arpeggiate them as a contrast to the solid dyads.   

I hope you’ll enjoy listening.

Piano: Baldwin Model L Artist Grand (6’3”), lid raised only on the singer prop for this piece. 

Recording: Digital (Korg MR-1000 DSD)

Comments welcome.

David

[allthumbs]

I liked it. Very enjoyable. It's great to hear composers that are a little less played.

allthumbs

[rachfan]

Hi allthumbs,

Thanks for being the first listener!  As you've probably noticed, I posted a lot of music by Bortkiewicz here.  The Late Romantic period is my favorite, and there are several lesser known composers from that era who deserve to be heard more frequently.  And I'm glad you liked this prelude.  It is a gorgeous piece. 

[goldentone]

Listening to this was a real treat, Rachfan.  Your artistry and wonderful interpretive ability approach an almost magisterial quality here.  It is beautiful, lush--and seasoned--playing.

Another great piece from Bortkiewicz.  I really get lost in these.
Thanks for sharing.     

[rachfan]

Hi goldentone,

Thanks for listening, and also for your wonderful compliments.  I know what you mean by getting lost in these ravishing pieces.  Where I practice and play them, I get to be lost all the time.  It's great!    

[rachfan]

Over 30 people have downloaded this piece so far and two have commented.  If there is any additional feedback, please don't hesitate to offer it.  Thanks. 

[zp3929]

you've got to remember that they could be from pianoworld as well, we're all too slack to comment over there 

[rachfan]

That's true, Z, and both are great websites!   

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Very enjoyable. The piece seems to me to inhabit a post-Tristan, slightly decadent, harmonic world, which darkens as the end approaches.         

[rachfan]

Almost like the Twilight of the Gods.

[prins]

Hello Rachfan, thank you for posting this. I did not know any of his music before. It is a very beautiful piece.

[rachfan]

Hi prins,

Thanks for listening!  I'm glad you enjoyed this piece.  On pages 1 through 7 of this same forum, you can find many other postings of my Bortkiewicz preludes plus an impromptu in bravura style.