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Szymanowski - Complete Piano Music

£25.43

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Label: Divine Art

Cat No: DDA21400

Barcode: 0809730140020

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 4

Genre: Instrumental

Release Date: 13th November 2006

Works

Karol Szymanowski
Two Mazurkas Op. 62; Prelude and Fugue in C sharp minor; Nine Preludes Op. 1; Variations in B flat minor, Op. 3; Four Studies Op. 4; Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 8; Variations on a Polish Theme Op. 10; Fantasy In F Minor Op. 14; Prelude in C Sharp minor (1901); Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 21; Métopes Op. 29 (Trois poèmes pour piano); 12 Etudes Op. 33; Masques Op. 34; Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 36; Twenty Mazurkas Op. 50; Valse Romantique; Four Polish Dances

Artists

Sinae Lee (piano)

Works

Artists

Sinae Lee (piano)

About

Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) is not only the most significant Polish composer of the first half of the twentieth century, but a major figure in European music in general.

From his earliest years, the piano played a huge role in his life. He composed Nine Preludes, Op. 1 whilst in his teens. A tenth prelude was recently rediscovered and this first recording is included in this set as the opening track on CD1. The Op.3 variations in B flat minor were composed 1901-03 and each of the 12 pieces is characterised by a tendency towards increasing textural density. They were eventually dedicated to Artur Rubinstein who was one of Szymanowski’s most enthusiastic supporters.

Four Studies, Op.4 reveal the influence of both Chopin and Scriabin. The most substantial early composition is the Piano Sonata in C minor, op.8.

Szymanowski's most prolific period was during the First World War, and four major piano works emerged here – the evocative cycles Métopes and Masques, Twelve Studies and the Third Sonata. His piano compositions of the 1920’s and 1930’s consist of shorter works reflecting his interest in folk melodies, the Mazurkas being the approachable introduction to his mature style.

The specially priced 4CD set is packaged as two “slimline” doubles in a slipcase, each with full notes and documentation. It is envisaged that they will be released as these two separate components at a future date.

Sinae Lee was born in 1976 in Korea. She has won numerous Piano Competitions and performs regularly in the UK, the US and Asia. This recording of the complete piano music of Szymanowski is her début recording.