Godowsky, Poem No. 1, "Devotion"

[rachfan]

Here is a most fervent late romantic piece by Leopold Godowsky titled Poem No. 1, “Devotion” and marked andante cantabile, although I choose to play it more con passione.  He composed this piece at Evanston, Illinois on June 29, 1927 and it was published the same year by Carl Fischer, Inc. I believe this music suggests passion in the moment, not a distant nostalgia. There are three other Poems in this group: No. 2, “Avowal”; No. 3, “Adoration”; and No. 4, “Yearning”.  Nos. 2 and 3 were also composed in 1927, but No. 4 was added in 1931. The writing for “Devotion” is very lush and for me the best of the set. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing it.  

David

Comments welcome.

Piano: Baldwin Model L Artist Grand (6’3”) with lid fully open
Recorder: Roland R-44
Mics: Matched pair of Earthworks TC-20 small diaphragm, omni-directional condenser mics in A-B configuration

[ted]

My immediate response was that it sounds uncannily close to some passage or other I have recorded, don't ask me where or when. But then given the heft of sound data involved the effect is probably not surprising !

I certainly find it much more interesting than the heaps of finger dexterity he is usually associated with, and more likely to clearly reflect his personal psyche than a virtuosic transcription would. Your distinction between passion in the moment and nostalgia is a shrewd one. I must admit that I had never completely clarified that obvious difference generally in my own mind. But thinking it over, I can now see that the two states are indeed disparate, and moreover that I have depicted both liberally in my own playing without really knowing what I was doing. Learning all the time.

Whatever interpretive approach you are using is just right, as usual, and ensures the chromatic sliding comes through as intrinsic to the music and not merely a physically convenient embellishment.

[rachfan]

Hi Ted,

Given your huge output of improvs, I'm not at all surprised that you would recall a similarity as you describe here.  The notes spanning an octave have, over the centuries, provided virtually infinite combinations to form melodies and accompaniment.  Yet, there are occasionally those moments when, for example, we hear a vignette within a composer's music and say "Hey, where did I hear that before!?" And then sometimes when it dawns on us, we look and find the similar passages, and often check to see who's piece was published first.  Sometimes it's inadvertent, sometimes copied, a humorous parody, other times an homage, and still other instances being simply amazing coincidences.  And sometimes obversely there is very little similarity than what we had imagined.  I recall when I played one of the Scriabin preludes, a listener thought that it was derivative, i.e., the coda was deemed very similar to a coda by Albeniz.  When I went to listen, it didn't sound very close, at least to me! So I think it can be in the eye--or the ear--of the observer/listener. Whenever I trip over one of these, and there is definitely a likeness, I'm always amused--without fail. Probably it's the same for you.

Thanks for listening and commenting.  It's hard to play, but a very satisfying piece of music.

David

[goldentone]

You play this so well, David.  Your technique here is seamless in execution, I'd have to say the best I've ever heard from you.  "Devotion" is a unique piece for sure.  Beauty amidst psychologically dissonant, choppy waves.  

An excellent, excellent performance!

[rachfan]

Hi goldentone,

Thanks so much for your kind comments on this recording!  Godowsky's piano music is often daunting due its many challenges, but this particular piece is so gorgeous and truly representative of the best of the Late Romantic era. So I couldn't resist! 

David 

[pianoguy711]

As you said, this is a very lush/sumptuous piece, with a hint of Rachmaninoff maybe? (prelude in Eb Major anyone?)

 

I know I shouldn't get hung up on titles but I'm still trying to decipher Godowsky's  choice of calling it "devotion":   Is it a religious devotion, or a personal devotion  ?

Like you mentioned, you chose to play more con passsione but you lose a little of the tranquillo aspect noted in the score.  I think you can take the first two measures slower and then bring it a tempo  at measure 3.  I'm not hearing the una corda effect in the beginning but that could just be the piano.  Also, at the repeat maybe vary the interpretation a little? Bring out another line or change your tone a bit, just my opinion though.  Thanks for introducing us to this piece!

[rachfan]

Hi pianoguy,

Thanks for listening and commenting, and for your suggestions.  

I recorded the Rachmaninoff 23/6 many years ago (it's in the Index to Audition Room here).  Probably the element that is most significant in terms of similarity is the persistent forward motion of the long line in both pieces.  The Rachmaninoff prelude is a bit saccharine. "Devotion" is more passionate.  My general sense of listening to Godowsky music it that he's very original in his idiom, scope and approach.  I think, for example, of his "Gardens at Buitenzorg" from the Java Suite.  I don't think even Sorabji in his hot house could quite duplicate that!

First, right or wrong, I chose the possibility of "personal devotion".  To my musical sense this piece is high romanticism which needs to be communicated to the listener as such.

My playing of the work might not be as tranquil as some others, however I don't think I lost anything from the expressive element at least.  Part of that was keeping a good control over dynamics.

Regarding the soft pedal, I did use it, however it's at the point where I have to search for the softer felt.

As to your suggestion of a slower start, I have used that device before to good effect.  A fairly recent example was my recording of Doynanyi's "Postludium" (here in the Index).  In the piece at hand my preference was to spark it right from the beginning.  Those notes remind me of twinkling stars.  With a slower entrance, the stary effect might be lost.  The night sky does not have accelerandos.

Doing something different with the repeat is a good suggestion.  I had thought about it a few times.  But where I haven't lived with the piece for long, I took the easier way out on that to be candid.

I'm glad, pianoguy, that you enjoyed this piece.  The other three pieces in the set haven't captivated me, but the first one that I play here is a true gem.

Thanks again!

David

[coda_colossale]

with a hint of Rachmaninoff maybe?

2nd movement of the 3rd concerto immediately came to my mind...

[rachfan]

Hi Coda,

Unless Godowsky was doing something like combining two Chopin Etudes into one, he was actually very original in composing his own works.  He's known for the contrapuntal complexities  and elaborate details which make many of his works unique and very difficult to execute.  You can hear his wonderful polyphony in this poem I recorded above.  In playing Liadoff's music, I always admired his mastery of polyphony between the hands.  I believe that Godowsky elevated the art to new heights.  If we look at his Java Suite, his creativity is the manifestation of his own genius.  I don't believe that Godowsky had to lean on Rachmaninoff's piano literature for ideas. Just my opinion.

David

[j_menz]

I don't believe that Godowsky had to lean on Rachmaninoff's piano literature for ideas. Just my opinion.

Indeed, any influence is more likely to be the other way around. Rachmaninoff was a great admirer of Godowsky.

Nicely done David.

And finally one that won't open my wallet - I already have it. 

[rachfan]

Hi J,

Thanks for that kudo on my playing.  I appreciate it!

I had never played Godowsky's music before, so it felt good adding him to my repertoire list.

David

[coda_colossale]

He's known for the contrapuntal complexities  and elaborate details which make many of his works unique and very difficult to execute.

Sounds like Rachmaninoff to me, you know

[rachfan]

Hi coda,

Well, given contrary opinions I think it's as perceived by the ear of the listener and the eye of the beholder.  Both Rachmaninoff and Godowsky were superb pianists and composers.  I give them both a lot of credit.

David

[coda_colossale]

Don't get me wrong, though I'm not really familiar with Godowsky's music, apart from studies, I really loved what I heard here.
My comment was obviously based on mere impression, and not deep research and comparison. But now they both remind me of Chopin's 3rd sonata. They both contain kontrapunkt, chromatism and are lush and romantic, so there's some truth to it, eh?
I'll be checking out more of his original compositions, starting with his Passaglacia.

[rachfan]

Hi coda,

It's certainly safe to say that the Late Romantics were influenced by the earlier Romantic Age. And Chopin was always an enormous inspiration to those later composers like Rachmaninoff, Godowsky, Scriabin, Liadov, Bortkiewicz, etc.  Liszt, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Schumann were also notable inspirations--but especially Chopin.  No disagreement there. 

David

[gvans]

Thanks, David, for introducing us to yet another miniature gem. Beautifully played and recorded.
Thank you.

Glenn

[rachfan]

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for listening and your favorable comments.  I was delighted to work on this piece and knew it had high potential.  And the time I put into it was very well spent.  It's a true gem!

David

[arielpiano]

I agree, David, far far better than the Chopin etudes, which are rather pointless. And your rendition is wonderful and magically delicate.
Regarding Fleisher, I can say that it was a life-changing experience. I had four and a half lessons (I played Op. 110 and the Liszt B minor sonata) and attended more than 20 others (we were eight students, all sitting in on all the lessons). He's an endless source of insight and ideas, and perfect taste in everything. Next month I'm attending another workshop with him, in Switzerland. I can't wait.
Ariel

[rachfan]

Hi arielpiano,

Thanks for listening to this recording and for your comments too.  I had never played any Godowsky before.  It was a very interesting experience.  It helped that this hyper-romantic piece was "right down my alley" as they say.

Fleisher is truly an institution.  I'm so glad that you were able to benefit so much from his teachings.  And it's even better that you can continue studying with him at the workshop.  And in Switzerland too!  You deserve these wonderful opportunities especially at this time in your career.

David

[quantum]

Yet another unearthed gem played beautifully   Thank you for sharing.

[rachfan]

Hi quantum,

Thanks for listening and commenting too. This piece is so elegant and sensuous too.  I think Godowsky outdid himself.

David