Search - Paul Badura-Skoda, Sebastian Benda, Christian Benda :: Frank Martin: Complete Music for Piano & Orchestra

Splendid, authoritative performances of powerful music

Nicholas A. Deutsch | New York, NY USA | 06/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This excellent disc brings together the 3 works for solo piano & orchestra of the great Swiss composer Frank Martin (1890-1974) plus the world premiere recording of his Danse de la Peur (Dance of Fear), a concert arrangement for 2 pianos & orchestra of a section of an unproduced ballet. In all of them Martin successfully fulfills our desire for bravura, high-wire pianism, while creating works of real musical substance, rich in melodic, harmonic & rhythmic invention. The Ballade (1939) is perhaps the most lyrical of the works, a prime example of his mature compositional style. The 2nd Piano Concerto (1968-69) is a good deal spikier (tho' not as demanding for the listener as it is for the pianist!); in the years I've known it, I've grown to like it very much. The other 2 pieces date from the mid-1930's, just before Martin found his most personal harmonic idiom. The 1st Piano Concerto is a captivating piece, overflowing with beautiful ideas, from the haunting opening - solo flute over a steady timpani beat - right to the end. The Danse de la Peur is (not surprisingly) alternately ominous & fierce (& rhythmically exhilarating); a worthwhile addition to the catalogue. These are fine performances by 2 veteran pianists with a direct connection to the composer: Sebastian Benda (Ballade, 1st Concerto) studied composition with Martin, & recorded the Ballade under his direction in 1971 (Jecklin JD 529-2); Martin composed the 2nd Concerto for Paul Badura-Skoda & they recorded it together, also in 1971 (Jecklin JD 632-2). Both artists receive fine, rhytmically taut support from Christian Benda & the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana. There have been other good versions of the Ballade, & a notable recording by pianist Jean-Francois Antonioli of that work & the 2 Concertos (Claves CD 50-8509); but the addition of the Danse de la Peur, plus the dedicated & truly exciting performances of all 4 works, make this a special disc."

Who Says the Swiss are Dull!!!

Christopher Forbes | Brooklyn,, NY | 06/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music of Frank Martin creeps up on you. His work often initially resembles many of the other neo-classical composers of the 30's and 40's albeit with a more chromatic tonal palette. But then there is a turn of phrase, or a harmonic modulation and the entire piece opens up to a different realm. Martin found the secret to creating 12 note music of depth, power and real spiritual value. The works on this CD all illustrate this gift of Martin's. The Ballade is a lyrical work, tonal, but with an adventurous sense of harmony. It is sort of a mix between the best of the Germanic and French sensibilities. The Piano Concerti are more agressive affairs - classic in form, but with a growing adventurousness in melodic and harmonic language. Performances are authoritative. Both Benda and Badura-Skoda have deep ties to this music and the personal connection comes out in the performances. This CD is a great introduction into the facinating world of this major Swiss composer."