The riches of Polish chamber music are almost unknown in points west, and the two piano quintets recorded here might qualify as obscure even in Poland. Both are attractive works. Ludomir Rózycki and Ignacy Friedman were both active in the years around World War I. They were near contemporaries of Karol Szymanowski, but neither tried to come to terms with the new developments roiling Western European music at the time. These are tonal and not especially chromatic works. Nor do they make much use of Polish materials, except ...
Read More
The riches of Polish chamber music are almost unknown in points west, and the two piano quintets recorded here might qualify as obscure even in Poland. Both are attractive works. Ludomir Rózycki and Ignacy Friedman were both active in the years around World War I. They were near contemporaries of Karol Szymanowski, but neither tried to come to terms with the new developments roiling Western European music at the time. These are tonal and not especially chromatic works. Nor do they make much use of Polish materials, except perhaps in the finale of Friedman's quintet. The movements are large, with expansive development of big melodies, and the overall effect is of Dvorák minus the Czech content. Although Friedman was known as a concert pianist, there is little virtuoso material in his quintet. What makes the whole thing worth the price of admission is the opening movement of the Rózycki. Sample until you get to the second subject, an exquisitely melancholy waltz that seems, as surely as Ravel's much...
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.