Alkan, Charles-Valentin : Musique pour Piano Solo [CD de audio] Charles Valentin Alkan

Charles Valentin Alkan was one of the most important pianists and piano composers of the 19th century, although he lived most of his life in anonymity and isolation. He was a close friend of Chopin (they were neighbors in Paris) and was the only pianist in whose presence the great Franz Liszt felt nervous to play. Alkan's piano works consist of two cycles of Studies of the most fearsome and diabolical difficulty, and several books of miniatures and character pieces. Fortepianist Costantino Mastroprimiano chose a varied program, presenting Alkan's multifaceted genius: together with the substantial and diabolical Sonatina (which belies his name, both in proportions and character) he plays some moving Nocturnes and some grotesque miniatures (Le tambour bat aux champs , Capriccio alla soldatesca). Mastroprimiano, one of the leading instrument players of today, chose a superb Pleyel instrument from 1865, an instrument that Alkan may well have known in his time. Artist Notes.