PAKM009:
Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op.22; Six Intermezzi Op. 4 -
Schumann
MP3
price
Grant
Johannesen, piano
Originally released in 1953, issued as Nixa LP CLP 1173
(Duration 36'50")
Play
sample movement:
Schumann
wrote three sonatas for the piano, all during the mid-1830's when he was
at the height of his powers, and of these it is the second which stands
out as his masterpiece of the genre. Written for and inspired by the love
of his life, the young Clara Wieck, Schumann spent four years revising
and reworking the piece until he was ready to publish it. During this
time this music developed and deepened in parallel to his affections for
Clara, and as such is now seen as one of music's great labourd of love.
The
six Intermezzi were written slightly earlier in 1832, being published
in 1833. Though just 22 years of age at the time of composition, these
are no slight works - they display an expressive richness and an emotional
intensity which not only herald the greatness to come but stand in their
own right as works of true merit.
Grant
Johannesen (left, 1921-2005), born in Salt Lake City, USA,
was one of the great American pianists of the 20th century. He studied
under Robert Casadesus, Roger Sessions, and Nadia Boulanger. He made his
Manhattan recital debut when he was 23, won the Concours International
when he was 28, and was considered the first important American pianist
to emerge after World War II.
He
was particularly associated with French piano music, being the first to
record the entire piano compositions of Fauré. He undertook many
tours, both solo and perhaps most notably with the New York Philharmonic.
A rapturous reception in Moscow once earned him 16 encores.
Johannesen
died in Berlin on 27th March, 2005, at the age of 83.
Grant
Johannesen (left, 1921-2005), born in Salt Lake City, USA,
was one of the great American pianists of the 20th century. He studied
under Robert Casadesus, Roger Sessions, and Nadia Boulanger. He made his
Manhattan recital debut when he was 23, won the Concours International
when he was 28, and was considered the first important American pianist
to emerge after World War II.
