On offer here is the cellophane sealed US 12 track CD album 'Plays Geshwin/Hanson' by German classical pianist Clemens Teufel. It was issued in 2017, self-released with the catalogue number 888295627689. The 12 tracks and product description are listed below. The CD comes in a sealed digipak sleeve and P & P will be only £1.70 for buyers in the UK, overseas at cost. Non-UK buyers please refer to 'Payment Details' section for accepted payments and please wait for an invoice to be sent before making payment. Many thanks if you bid and good luck. Steve.

Howard Hanson

1-3. Three Poèmes Érotiques, Op. 9

4-5. Piano Sonata in A Minor Op. 11

George Gershwin

6-8. Three Songs from the Songbook

9. Rhapsody in Blue (1924, solo version)

10-12. Three Preludes

PRODUCT DETAILS

This album contains the works of two American Icons of classical piano, George Gershwin and Howard Hanson. The program features the colorful compositions of Neo-Romantic master composer, Hanson, and the swing and glamour of the all-time favorite, Gershwin.

Included is Hanson’s main piano piece, the Sonata in A minor as well as the poetic and deeply emotional “Poèmes Érotiques”, of which the first is “Peace”, followed by “Joy” and “Desire”. The musical language of both pieces is harmonically very rich with some unique combinations of chords that are unusual and beautiful. However, Hanson never stretches the harmonic adventures too much and therefore even a conservative listener will enjoy his pieces deeply. His big hands allowed him to use a wide combination of chords, his powerful baselines are fascinating and thrilling.

Gershwin’s music, as well known as it is, offers an eclectic variety of sounds. As much fun as the swinging patterns carry, the intimate atmosphere of his songbook could almost be seen as a 20th century version of such famous songs as Schumann’s “Dreaming” from his Op. 15 or Chopin’s “Nocturnes”. Gershwin makes the piano swing and sing like no other composer and its simplicity is among the most genius ways of composing one can imagine.

The Rhapsody for solo piano is a wild ride both for the audience and the performer. The fascinating patterns and colors Gershwin captures in this piece might be comparable to no other composition of the 20th century. Its great dynamic and rhythmical strength, followed by the well planed and shaped grand finale lead to an incredibly loaded atmosphere.

The preludes offer swing at its best: They are rhythmically very interesting and the dazzling sound is quite appealing. Originally planed as a project of 24 preludes, Gershwin had chosen the best three of them and performed them himself with great success.