Roman Statkowski: Piano Music
One of the most brilliant successors to the Romantic genres popularised by Chopin, yet hardly known outside Poland, Statkowski’s music is full of sparkling energy, rhythmic vitality and a mass of wonderful melodies. For anyone who loves the classical romanticism of the mid to late 19th century, Statkowski is a composer to be checked out and investigated in depth.
The virtuoso Polish pianist Barbara Karaskiewicz has championed Statkowski’s music for some time, and has a close affinity with the music. With formidable technique in the glittering fast passages she is the ideal interpreter.
Track Listing
-
Roman Statkowski:
- Toccata, Op. 33 (3:43)
- Prelude in C major, Op. 37 No. 1 (1:55)
- Prelude in A minor, Op. 37 No. 2 (0:58)
- Prelude in G major, Op. 37 No. 3 (1:56)
- Prelude in E minor, Op. 37 No. 4 (1:37)
- Prelude in D major, Op. 37 No. 5 (3:22)
- Prelude in B minor, Op. 37 No. 6 (3:19)
- Mazurka in E minor, Op. 24 No. 1 (2:59)
- Mazurka in F minor, Op. 24 No. 2 (3:54)
- Mazurka in A minor, Op. 24 No. 3 (2:29)
- Mazurka in G flat major, Op. 24 No. 4 (3:16)
- Immortelles, Op. 19 - Immortelle in B major (3:54)
- immortelles, Op. 19 - Immortelle in C major (2:56)
- Immortelles, Op. 19 - Immortelle in F sharp minor (1:11)
- Immortelles, Op. 19 - Immortelle in E flat major (1:23)
- Immortelles, Op. 19 - Immortelle in E flat minor (1:54)
- Immortelles, Op. 19 - Immortelle in A flat major (2:35)
- Six pieces, Op. 16 - No. 1 Capriccio (4:11)
- Six pieces, Op. 16 - No. 2 Impromptu (4:41)
- Six pieces, Op. 16 - No. 3 Valse (4:42)
- Six pieces, Op. 16 - No. 4 All'antico (2:57)
- Six pieces, Op. 16 - No. 5 Alla burla (3:40)
- Six pieces, Op. 16 - No. 6 Auprès de la fontaine (2:55)
Reviews
“Even the briefest of encounters with these piano works will prove that [the advertising blurb for this CD] is not an exaggeration. [Statkowski] is yet another one of many ‘forgotten’ composers who deserves to be rehabilitated. Virtually all these pieces are attractive, post-romantic and ‘imbued with lyricism, poetry and noble tenderness.’ Polish-born pianist Barbara Karaśkiewicz has taken Statkowski’s music to heart and clearly has a great love and understanding of all these pieces. They are beautifully played.
” —John France
“An entertaining and lively collection of piano music. It’s got a real sense of energy about it; there’s nothing serious about this and no dark tones. We were a little surprised, listening to it more intently, at how complex the playing is. . The virtuoso Polish pianist Barbara Karaskiewicz has championed her countryman’s music, and she’s a formidable player. This collection will be enjoyed by proficient pianists, who can appreciate the complexity of the playing, and people who just like piano music.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“One of the most brilliant successors to the Romantic genres popularised by Chopin. Hardly known outside Poland, Roman Statkowski’s music is full of sparkling energy, rhythmic vitality and a mass of wonderful melodies. The virtuoso Polish pianist Barbara Karaskiewicz brings a formidable technique to the glittering fast passages and is the ideal interpreter.
” —John Pitt
“Melody is always to the fore and while there is lyricism there are moments of exciting dash … there is no padding and time wasting. The variety in the music holds the attention; there is always something new happening. The Toccata Op 33 is very impressive and calls for a pianist with a cool head and tough fingers; it is simply splendid. The Six Preludes Op 37 are a delight. They require real skill from the performer, who is excellent. This CD is a joy and we should hear some of this music in recitals.
” —David C F Wright
“Statkowski is a very imaginative composer who borrowed much of the passion of Russian music. [The performer’s] interpretation is fluid and subtle and reflects the diversity and moods excellently.
” —Remy Franck
“All the works on this program are … well conceived for the piano and marked by surprising kaleidoscopic harmonies. Ms Karaśkiewicz plays them with style and affection.
” —Rob Haskins
“This is a valuable new release of music that deserves to be heard. Many of these pieces would sit well in any recital. The recording is close and detailed with a fine piano tone. The booklet is well up to Divine Art’s usual high standards with excellent booklet notes from Barbara Karaśkiewicz.
” —Bruce Reader
“The music on this CD would be right at home in the metropolitan European salons of the second half of the 19th century. It is music of extreme sensitivity that is written beautifully for the piano. Statkowski is by no means an innovator, but he does have a unique and personal voice as a composer. I am very happy that the Polish Pianist Barbara Karaskiewicz, who plays this music exquisitely, has recorded his excellent piano music
” —Elaine Fine
