专辑简介

Piano Songs - "You must sing with your fingers", so Chopin supposedly said to a piano pupil of his. Since the development of the piano during the 19th century, pianists and composers have always sought to make the piano sing. Of course, this is impossible. For a start, there are no words, and the pianist doesn't have to worrying about where to breathe. This could be seen as an advantage, but if the music does not 'speak' or 'breathe', then it cannot live. Many performers have found the answers by accompanying singers, or by arranging vocal music for the piano alone. This album presents a wide variety of song-style piano works from the 1830's to the present day.

Of the many songs from opera, there are few more famous than those of Carmen. This Fantasy is a depiction of her character: alluring, sensual, insecure and ultimately dangerous, bringing about her own bitter end. Schubert was one of the most prolific of all songwriters, composing 600 before his premature death at the age of 31. Godowsky's arrangements are a lavish enrichment of the originals, adding new layers and harmonies. Mendelssohn composed 49 'Songs without Words', with exceptionally well-crafted melodies, exploring the 'singing' nature of the piano. Elgar's 'Morning song' was originally for violin and piano, and the song has a fresh but tender quality so often associated with the composer. Proving that text is not always paramount for emotional expression, Rachmaninov's 'Vocalise' is a glorious study in melody. To contrast, the sheer unbridled joy of 'Spring Waters' is thrillingly realised in Earl Wild's virtuosic arrangement. Indebted to jazz, George Gershwin was probably the greatest American songwriter, with many of his creations becoming instant classics. These arrangements explore Gershwin's lively jazz rhythms and harmonies, as well as the touching regretful quality of 'Someone to watch over me.' Finally, two of the greatest song-writing teams of modern times, The Beatles and ABBA. 'Strawberry fields forever' is one of John Lennon’s most poignant and nostalgic songs, here presented as a distant memory. The show-stopping 'Money, money, money' proves that despite all that is said, there are still great tunesmiths around.