I did not mean any harm by mentioning my fondness for Alkan's world. I really gain from your enthusiasm, and aside from that I was hoping to get across in the above response a recognition of his strengths. I'll tell you in truth I've had quite a bit of fun in recent weeks with the Symphony, an extraordinary piece, and the Concerto for solo piano, which has a truly special slow movement. I have difficulty balancing the very good material of the first movement with its structure, but rather than blaming him, I think this is the performers challenge in every case (and I'm thankful for John Ogdon)!Ah well...The Barcarolle is great! It's a happy addition to my life.
I played this through for my piano teacher (just started taking piano lessons, after years and years of messing around and LARGE gaps of time not playing at all) and she was delighted. Makes me think I can get her to help me get through some of Alkan's etudes, i.e., parts of the Symphonie that are currently out of my reach.
Sorry if it sounded that way.My favorite movement of the Concerto is the slow movement, and I've been practicing the first movement of the Symphony here and there (but I'm too busy to devote any more time to it... That's why I'm investigating the "easy" pieces!) A man named Mark Starr made a literal transcription (unlike Karl Klindworth's) of the Concerto for solo piano, and also unlike Klindworth, he did all three movements! Oh, how I would LOVE to hear someone play it some time! It really needs to be recorded... I think if it's a literal orchestration, it will sound (even) better.Scottmcc: Thank you!