Busoni Transcriptions (program for 2012, comments requested)

[iumonito]

Hi all,

I have been toying with the idea of doing a Busoni program, and I am curious what type of reception I would get from a group like y'all (piano music lovers galore).  Here is what I am planning to learn (it is all new to me).  If you have recommendations for adding pieces or switching the order around, I would be most interested:

Mozart Deh vieni alla finestra
Offenbach Barcarolle
Sonatina Super Carmen

***

Bach Chorale Preludes (Nun komm..., Nun freut..., Ich ruf'..., Wachet auf...,
Bach Chaconne

[liszt1022]

I'd put Chaconne as the last piece before the break, but I'd also have another Bach somewhere - not necessarily the obvious T&F in D minor, but the P&F in D major would be nice too.

[birba]

I like it the way it is.  The chaconne has nothing to do with the three operatic transcriptions.

[liszt1022]

Then I would put the opera transcriptions in the second half.
Doing a Yahoo search for "Busoni chaconne recital" finds a half-dozen recital programs which open with the work, including some all-Busoni recitals.
I find myself agreeing with that placement, now.

[birba]

Then I would put the opera transcriptions in the second half.

Hadn't thought of that.  Good idea.  The Chaconne's a great opener.

[micci]

How about 'Ad nos, ad salutarem undam'?

[john11inc]

How about 'Ad nos, ad salutarem undam'?

What I was going to suggest.  A very good piece.  I'd hold onto the Sonatina No. 6 and the Chaconne, then program another, shorter work with it (perhaps one or two of the Choral Preludes), and have that as half of the program, with the Meyerbeer-Liszt-Busoni as the other half.

That is, of course, assuming that you want to try to tackle the piece.  It's extremely difficult.  All available recordings of it, studio or non, are performed well below indicated tempi.  It is a great, underappreciated work that still needs a good performance of it to be given.

[mnmleung]

I heard Busoni's Chopin variations over the radio a while ago, part of the Sydney International Piano Competition.  Sounds tricky, but most of Busoni would be tricky anyway.  Thought I'd mention it.

PS I found a youtube clip which has snippets of the piece

[iumonito]

Thanks, all!

Very good ideas.

If I were to add more pieces to the program, two likely candidates would be the Liszt-Busoni Mephisto Waltz and either the of the Mozart-Liszt-Busoni Reminiscences of Don Juan or Fantasy on two themes from the Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni.  If Mozart is added I think I would flip the program and move Deh Vieni forward to keep the Mozart transcriptions together, like this:

Bach Chorale Preludes
Bach Chaconne

***

Offenbach
Bizet
Mozart Deh Vieni
Mozart Don Juan or Figaro

and perhaps Liszt as an encore, as it really does not fit.

I like using the Chaconne as a closer.  Both Bach and Busoni thought of it that way.

This is more work, though, so I probably should keep it a little more real and learn the shorter program first and then build the additions onto it.

I am starting to read the Concerto too.  What a bear.  I'll never really learn it, but it is fun to dream!

Thanks!

[pianowolfi]

I heard Busoni's Chopin variations over the radio a while ago, part of the Sydney International Piano Competition.  Sounds tricky, but most of Busoni would be tricky anyway.  Thought I'd mention it.

PS I found a youtube clip which has snippets of the piece

Thank you for bringing this work and this pianist to my attention! Truly wonderful playing of a wonderful piece!

[iumonito]

Things get crazy about 9:50!

[pianowolfi]

Things get crazy about 9:50!

OMG   WOW!!

Btw what happened to IMSLP? I just tried to look for the music there and it seems to be completely down...

[iumonito]

IMSLP is working well, but it is not there.

Although, quarendo invenietis!

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=20532.0