First published in 1847, these preludes form a highly original set of pieces, effectively Alkan's first foray into the genre of cyclic shorter pieces. The set stands aside from so many in it's consistently reflective and introspective approach to a genre recently redefined by Chopin. The key sequence guides us through all the major and minor keys, but instead of settling for all 24 major and minor tonalities, Alkan comes full circle for a twenty-fifth and final C major prelude to complete the set. Alkan had in mind that the Preludes might equally effectively be played on piano or organ - that they might even serve liturgical functions as chorale preludes or instrumental antiphons. However, they have always been regarded as piano music first and foremost, albeit possessed of an often tranquil and reflective temperament, anticipating the mystical works of Liszt such as the Harmonies poÃ©tiques et rÃ©ligieuses (it will be remembered that Liszt regarded Alkan alone as a serious rival to his pianistic prowess). Mark Viner has made his name playing Alkan's music, and he is widely regarded as among the composer's most persuasive advocates on record. 'His playing is never showy,' remarked the Guardian when reviewing a previous Piano Classics album of the Op.35 Etudes: 'he emphasises that these are profound explorations of early romantic sensibility first and extreme technical challenges second, and that is a totally convincing way of dealing with some of the most remarkable piano music of it's time.' Viner was praised by The Sunday Times for 'turning Alkan's forbidding torrents of notes into real music'. This much-anticipated new album is enhanced by Viner's own, authoritative booklet essay giving full context both to the Preludes and their reception.

Tracklist:

25 Préludes, Op. 31: I. Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: II. Assez Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: III. Dans Le Genre Ancient. Très Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: IV. Prière Du Soir. Assez Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: V. Psaume 150me. Avec Enthousiasme
25 Préludes, Op. 31: VI. Ancienne Mélodie De La Synagogue. Andante Flebile
25 Préludes, Op. 31: VII. Librement Mais Sans Secousses
25 Préludes, Op. 31: VIII. La Chanson De La Folle Au Bord De La Mer. Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: IX. Placiditas. Tranquillement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: X. Dans Le Style Fugue. Très Vite
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XI. Un Petit Rien. Assez Vite
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XII. Le Temps Qui N'est Plus. Andante
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XIII. J'étais Endormie, Mais Mon Coeur Veillait…… . Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XIV. Rapidement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XV. Dans Le Genre Gothique. Assez Vite Et Avec Beaucoup De Grâce
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XVI. Assez Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XVII. Rêve D'amour. Assez Vite
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XVIII. Romance. Sans Trop De Movement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XIX. Prière Du Matin. Vite
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XX. Modérément Vite Et Bien Caractérisé
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XXI. Doucement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XXII. Anniversaire. Assez Lentement
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XXIII. Assez Vite
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XXIV. Prestissimo
25 Préludes, Op. 31: XXV. Prière. Lentement

UPC: 5029365101899
Label: Piano Classics
Release Date: 10.4.19
Format: CD

Alkan / Viner - 25 Preludes 31 (CD)