Underdog composer suggestions

[shoremusic]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to increase my repertoire with some intermediate standard pieces by lesser known composers from the romantic era mainly.

My favourite collection is John Field's Nocturnes.

If anyone can suggest something I may have missed that would be brilliant.

Thanks!

[visitor]

[visitor]

[visitor]

[symphonicdance]

Can't see what visitor had posted...  probably software problem at my end...

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Alkan (A French composer whose works are challenging as Liszt.  But getting more popular nowadays).

Saint-Saens (Yes, he is a famous composer, and many people play his piano concertos.  However, not many go for his solo works.)

Sibelius (He is also a famous composer, but many people know about his symphonies and violin concerto.  He had actually written many lovely little piano pieces.)

[irrational]

Many famous composers are not famous for their piano solo works even though those are very good.
So perhaps worth looking at that as well?

I second symphonicdance.
Sibelius has really amazing pieces. As does Saint-saens and of course Tchaikovsky.

I would also advocate the Russians: Medtner, Balakirev, Lyadov,  amongst many.
Scharwenka, Gliere, Thalberg.

[visitor]

Can't see what visitor had posted...  probably software problem at my end...

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the display video /embed function  has been buggy, may need a post in the ps website thread /board to alert them of the issue

fyi here they are as links
just a few to start, i have obviously posted dozens and dozens potential lost/forgotten candidates so many times in past these appealed to me in particualr that day 

[jeffok]

Hello ShoreMusic.

I'm new to the forum and intended to lurk for a while but then you go and ask a question like that!

1. Moritz Moszkowski - He had a brilliant understanding of how the hands fit on the keyboard and wrote music that lies well under the hands but still presents plenty of challenges. Since you said "intermediate", I'd suggest starting with something like his "Dix petits morceaux". If they're too easy for you, just start exploring (tons available on IMSLP). Moszkowski is wonderfully imaginative in his use of harmony and his pieces are full of charm and usually easier than they look or sound.

2. In a somewhat similar vein is Cecile Chaminade (coincidentally, Moszkowski's sister-in-law). Generally I'd say that much of her music (particularly the salon pieces) is a trifle easier than Moszkowski's with a similar degree of charm.

3. "irrational" mentioned several Russian composers. I'd add Lyapunov to the list. A little harder than either of the composers I mentioned above but worth the effort. "Chant du crepuscule" might be a good place to start...

4. If you like French music, Emmanuel Chabrier's piano music is well worth looking into. Probably only a few pieces would really fall into the "intermediate" category but they would include a few of the "10 Pieces Pittoresques" and the ever popular "Habanera".

5. Finally, the piano music of Xaver Scharwenka is worth looking into. Somewhat similar to Moszkowski in style. The first few of his once very famous "Polish Dances" are not too hard and - again - full of charm.

Enjoy your explorations.

jeff ok

[shoremusic]

Dear  irrational,

I am aware of famous composers who didn't specialise in piano music also did write some gems for the keyboard too, but my main interest is lesser known composers. I play music by students of Chopin and other names that never really surface in conversation.

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 jeffok,

Thank you for your insight and suggestions. I will look into all of these!!

[visitor]

 

[shoremusic]

Thanks

Nocturnes/Romances are my favourite style

[visitor]

Thanks

Nocturnes/Romances are my favourite style

then you must listen to the Despic. It's later chronologically than your original request but it's jaw dropping beautiful

[jeffok]

Hey ShoreMusic.

You're welcome!

A few more thoughts (since you like nocturnal pieces):

Cyril Scott's "Lotus Land" - Actually a pretty well-known piece. Largely pentatonic, it lies well for the hands and has a lazy, nocturnal feeling to it. (Sorry, but I don't know any of Scott's other piano pieces apart from the 1st piano concerto.)

John Ireland's "Island Spell" - tricky but not outrageously difficult. Lots of great "watery" sounds here.

Amy Marcy Beach's "Hermit Thrush" pieces ("Hermit Thrush at Eve/Morn") - These aren't a pushover but they're very beautiful - particularly "at eve" (both can be heard on YouTube). As a birder, I can also attest that Beach did a great job of representing Hermit Thrush song on the piano (and a hell of a lot easier than Messiaen!)

I can probably come up with some more, but it's still fairly early here so my brain is only hemi-semi-functional.

jeff ok

[visitor]

*note score is problematic, super difficult to find...

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Many famous composers are not famous for their piano solo works even though those are very good.
So perhaps worth looking at that as well?

(...) the Russians: Medtner, Balakirev, Lyadov,  amongst many.
Scharwenka, Gliere, Thalberg.

Catoire, Bortkiewicz, Liapunov. Although their virtuoso works can be very challenging, some of the miniatures are rewarding.

Thalberg's Casta diva setting is warmly recommended (and perhaps it has a certain Nocturne-esque aspect to it as well..)
You might also enjoy looking into his Soirees de Pausilippe.

Alkan's music can be ferociously difficult, but there is also his Esquisses.

[visitor]

7 Balkan Dances. love these.

sheets!/score  https://tinyurl.com/hunjnxb