Florent Schmitt was a strikingly original composer whose influences were as varied as his own restless and imaginative music. A number of his solo piano works are little known and offer an important insight into his compositional development. Neuf PiÃ¨ces, Op. 27, which includes a Spanish-infused Gitanella movement, was composed during his first period of travel. The expressive and vivid elements of CrÃ©puscules, Op. 56 are infused with harmonic richness and quiet melancholy, while Ritournelle, Op. 2 No. IIbis displays an airiness and wit characteristic of French music of the Roaring Twenties. Internationally renowned pianist, Biljana Urban, presents a selection of neglected gems of French piano literature including many world premiÃ¨re recordings.

Tracklist:

Crépuscules, Op. 56: No. 1, Sur Un Vieux Petit Cimetière
Crépuscules, Op. 56: No. 2, Neige
Crépuscules, Op. 56: No. 3, Sylphides
Crépuscules, Op. 56: No. 4, Solitude
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 1, Scaramouche
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 2, Aminte
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 3, Damis
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 4, Eglé
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 5, Cassandre
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 6, Atys
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 7, Clymène
Pupazzi, Op. 36: No. 8, Arlequin
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 1, L'heure Immobile
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 2, Danse Orientale
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 3, Chanson Tendre
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 4, Chanson Mélancolique
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 5, Nocturne
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 6, Romance Sans Paroles
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 7, Sérénade Antique
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 8, Gitanella
9 Pieces For Piano, Op. 27: No. 9, Sicilienne
Ritournelle, Op. 2, No. 2bis
3 Préludes For Piano, Op. 3: No. 1, Prélude Triste
Ballade De La Neige, Op. 6

UPC: 747313985029
Label: Grand Piano
Release Date: 10.8.21
Format: CD

Schmitt / Urban - Piano Works (CD)