Morning All,
This has probably been mentioned before but I read recently that the recording of Bortkiewicz's 2nd and 3rd Piano concerti has been released. I just wondered if anyone had bought it yet and, if so where from? The details are as follows:
Stefan Doniga (piano); Czech Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra/David Porcelijn rec. 2008 NEDERLANDS MUZIEK INSTITUUT C13172 [58:32] - it's not on JPC, MDT, Amazon or Archiv (where Musicweb says you should be able to get it from) so where on earth do I get a copy?
Hi, you can order your copy through the Netherlands Music Institute (http://www.nederlandsmuziekinstituut.nl/). Choose English as your language and go to the store (http://www.nederlandsmuziekinstituut.nl/en/webshop). You can pay using MC or Visa. Postage is 3 euros regardless of location, but as far as I can see the web store is only in Dutch. You can probably figure most things out yourselves, but if you need any help let me know.
Oh, and don't be put off by the bother - they're worth it.
It's a very fine disc of some striking late-Romantic music in the mould of Rachmaninov. Hyperion should have done these - they'd have been onto a winnner.
Thanks for that Ilja!
Alan - perhaps they will record them in the future?
I can't imagine that they will - but in any case they don't need to because the NMI disc is excellent.
There is absolutely no chance of Hyperion recording the Bortkiewicz 2nd & 3rd PCs. They weren't on Mike Spring's list before, and they certainly won't be now. Get the Netherlands Music Institute disk - it's very good indeed; you won't be disappointed.
I just finished listening to the Bortkiewicz 2nd & 3rd and I think its Hyperion loss. Just No. 2 - What a stunning opening !!! By the way is there any plan for ever recording the Bortkiewicz Violin and Cello Concerti
Hi, if the scores are half-decent, they'll get recorded. The Netherlands Music Institute has committed itself to doing all of Bortkiewicz's extant works. I remember seeing a radio recording of the VC listed in the Dutch Radio Archives, but when I requested it it turned out to be 'missing'. Curious, that...
These two piano concertos are marvelous and anyone who doesn't own a recording is missing out, big time! The 2nd, commissioned by Wittgenstein, is for the left hand (naturally) but you would not believe how rich and full the solo part sounds. It is Rachmaninoff-ian in its style and, I think, the best of all the concertos written for Wittgenstein. Although overshadowed, perhaps, by Ravel's and others - the Bortkiewicz is the most accomplished.
The Third Concerto - beginning in the minor key and in a somber mood (Bortkiewicz suffered dearly through two World Wars) it nevertheless continues to brighten as it progresses and, finally, ends with bells tolling, in C Major - an overwhelming coda to a magnificent concerto.
Get this disc!!!
Quote from: Ilja on Sunday 17 May 2009, 13:04
Hi, you can order your copy through the Netherlands Music Institute (http://www.nederlandsmuziekinstituut.nl/). Choose English as your language and go to the store (http://www.nederlandsmuziekinstituut.nl/en/webshop). You can pay using MC or Visa. Postage is 3 euros regardless of location, but as far as I can see the web store is only in Dutch. You can probably figure most things out yourselves, but if you need any help let me know.
Oh, and don't be put off by the bother - they're worth it.
Thanks Ilja, just placed my order - had no problems with the Dutch, thanks to a translation website!!
Eagerly awaiting the disc now.
Many thanks
My disc finally arrived today and I have just finished listening to both PC's for the first time. In one word: grandiose. How about the ominous opening of the 3rd?
You also get the shivers after reading everything Bortkiewicz and his wife have gone through in their lives. You can surf to the informative website www.bortkiewicz.com (http://www.bortkiewicz.com) and see for instance all CD's available by now. This is going to be another attack on my wallet, but never mind. Bortkiewicz is a composer to love and explore.
I appreciate the information about this work. I just ordered a copy. I hope I did it right because the fields seemed different from what I am used to but if they have a problem I guess they'll contact me.
Kevin
I know what you mean, Kevin. I just ordered the thing myself, and I still don't know if it's going to the right address! Where is that translation website?
Hi JimL,
Not sure if you are being serious or not about the translation website but i always use Babelfish!
I must admit that my CD arrived yesterday with my address in a somewhat interesting order so that city was second!!
Haven't had long enough spare to have a listen yet but should be able to sometime over the weekend.
My copy arrived today! Pretty good service!!! I have yet to listen to it but I can't wait. Always love discovering new music.
Kevin
Mine arrived last night. Just gave it one listen through, so I took it to the car, where I plan on giving it another few spins.
Mine arrived yesterday also! I gave it one listen through and loved it! It kind of reminds me of Rachmaninoff in it's lushness and virtuosity. Thanks for the recommendation!
Kevin
I'm still assimilating the material, but it sounds pretty first-rate. The structure of the left-hand concerto is somewhat reminiscent of the Glazunov VC, although there is no development or cadenza after the "slow movement" part of the first movement. Also the work is tonally progressive (although one could probably call it in C Minor, as in Sauer's 2nd PC, which likewise ends in E-flat). I really like the Allegro vivo, especially the 2nd theme. I'm still working on the 3rd.
That was quick! Placed my order last Sunday evening (the 21st), so they saw it on Monday. I received it today (Saturday the 27th). I often do not receive delivery that quickly when placing orders within the U.S. In fact, I ordered the 2 symphonies from a shop in the U.S. on the 19th and it still has not arrived.
I've never heard any Bortkiewicz other than the 1st concerto by Coombs, so I'm interested to discover these other works.
I must report that today I finally had time to sit down and listen to the Bortkiewicz concerti - they really are superb. I was especially impressed with the doom laden beginning to no.3. A thoroughly worthwhile buy! :)
Thanks to all of you who helped me track down this CD.
I dunno. That opening motive of the 3rd is awfully reminiscent of the opening of the Franck D Minor Symphony, Liszt's Les Preludes, and that "Muss es sein?" movement from Beethoven's last quartet, and the final section is a bunch of repetitive sequences of the same material. I actually think that the 2nd Concerto is a more striking work.
Took the time to listen to this disc tonight. Really like the concerto for left hand. Some beautiful writing in that piece, and enjoyable enough throughout to deserve a spot on a concert stage. I was less enchanted with the 3rd. Lots of notes and some really excellent passages, but overall rather sparse in melodic ideas - at least compared to the 2nd. Maybe it will grow on me.