X. Scharwenka Piano Sonata No.2

[Alan Howe]

...has just blown me away. I had no idea it was such a superb - and touching - piece. Just as I thought there was no more Scharwenka to discover, along comes this absolute gem. Anyone else know it? (I expect you all do....)

[Mark Thomas]

Well, that's decided my listening schedule for tomorrow, then. I haven't listened to any of Scharwenka's piano music for many years and have no memory of any of it . After such a ringing endorsement, Alan, I'll just have to look out Seta Tanyel's series and give it a spin.

[eschiss1]

I don't think I've heard the 2nd sonata yet- I have the first volume of Tanyel's series (Collins Classics incarnation, bought at a booksale) with the (revision of?) the 1st sonata, the Polish Dances and some other works (took me awhile to notice that the notewriter to the disc's name should have rung a bell, or rather, ...), but besides that, the 4 concertos and the symphony CD on Stirling, I haven't heard that much by him, I think.

[edurban]

...And may I also suggest the big set of variations, op.48?  Grand, inventive stuff.  The notes to the Tanyel recording mention a memorable performance at a 1919 concert in Berlin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Scharwenka's debut.  The pianist was a promising young fellow named Claudio Arrau.

David

[pianobaba]

Which recording was it? I don't think I've heard this sonata.

[Alan Howe]

Seta Tanyel on Hyperion/Helios:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scharwenka-Piano-Music-Vol-2/dp/B00006GO6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394484524&sr=8-1&keywords=scharwenka+tanyel

[alharris]

I am really looking forward to the June release on Onyx of the Scharwenka Sonata No. 2 and the Tchaikovsky G major Sonata played by the outstanding Joseph Moog:

http://www.onyxclassics.com/comingsoon.php

[pianobaba]

Silly me, I do have this recording, I have the first 3 (or 4) volumes of Scharwenka with Seta Tanyel (I should get the 4th...), I listened to the sonata again last night, and I do love it. I think he's a great composer.