Thalberg - Moses Fantasy

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Thalberg's fantasy on Rossini's "Mosè in Egitto" forms a largely forgotten, but significant, footnote in musical history. It was one of the two pieces Thalberg played at his infamous piano duel with Liszt in Paris in 1837.

Here's a recording from a recent recital. For convenience, I have split it into two halves. The second half, which I prefer, is in effect a theme and variations set on Moses's prayer "Dal tuo stellato soglio". It's not common to ascribe much in the way of compositional kudos to Thalberg's writing, but I personally think it is very cleverly written. (edit: I feel that the second half makes a perfectly valid shorter piece on its own.)

[rachfan]

Hi ronde,

Bravo!  I just listened to the entire piece and loved it.  Like you, between the two halves, I'm a bit more partial to the second.  Your command of touch there is amazing.  These operatic transcriptions are very complex and require a true artist's technique, which you supply.  But beyond that, you're wonderfully expressive in playing the long lines and revealing this music in a way that the piano transcription can be enjoyed as well as the music in its original form.  As with the others you've shared with us, this performance of the Moses Fantasy is excellent.  

While transcriptions are receiving more attention now, and although many pianists have delved into one or two of them, you have explored this neglected repertoire in depth and breadth, creating a virtual library of the genre within your recital repertoire and videos/recordings.  It's quite an unusual achievement!  Again, Bravo!    

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Thanks, rachfan.  As you said, transcriptions have enjoyed a renaissance of late, but in some circles there is still an attitude which disparages them. In particular with operatic transcriptions there is a viewpoint which could be caricatured as "if you must play them, stick to Liszt" and dismisses the others as tawdry reminders of past pianistic indulgence. I strongly disagree with this, and think that there is much of merit to be found in Thalberg, Tausig, Pabst and others. So it's gratifying to hear that you clearly enjoyed the piece.

[furtwaengler]

I have never explored Thalberg, but I enjoyed your charming, majestic presentation of this Moses Fantasy (as the man squeaking out the first bravo clearly did as well...This reaction actually makes me think of a phenomenal performance of the Verdi Requiem I attended, which received like applause. The moment came as the director of the chorus appeared to be recognized to showering bravos; this huge man in front of me belted out as loud as he could project, "GOOOD JOB!!!!" I still laugh when I think of it.)

You do excellent work exposing these forgotten transcriptions to wider recognition. There is so much to explore, but to neglect this is to neglect a golden age in the history of the piano and performance - and it's a lot of fun.

BRAVO!

[ronde_des_sylphes]

There is so much to explore, but to neglect this is to neglect a golden age in the history of the piano and performance - and it's a lot of fun.

Yes, I thorougly agree. In many ways these pieces chronicle the ways in which composers explored the capabilities of the rapidly developing piano (Thalberg being notable for his contributions towards piano texture) and it would be a shame if they were to be completely forgotten.