Zilinskis Piano Concerto in E minor (1946)

[Richard Moss]

I recently came across a PC by Arvids Zilinskis.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E_TXwIYKIY&t=9s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTzEeX_DRDI

Although dated to the mid-1940s, it really struck me as almost archetypal 'romantic' except for a few short 'modernistic' interludes.  Whilst not in the style of Andre Mathieu, nevertheless it was he who came to mind as I listened.

I rarely look for 20th C works (after WW1) or spend time listening to them as 99% seem to disappoint but in this case I'm glad I made an exception.

If any other UC members get a chance to listen, I'd be interested on your take on this work.

Best wishes

Richard

[Alan Howe]

Thanks, Richard. It's a very fetching, fully romantic-sounding piece.

[Gareth Vaughan]

Yes indeed. What is NOT fetching is the screaming child, who should have been fetched away!

[Alan Howe]

That's in the second of the two performances - in rather better sound than the first, even if the piano is backwardly balanced.

[dhibbard]

Another wonderful one is Peteris Barisons' "Latvian Rhapsody" for piano and orchestra (1945)

[Gerhard Griesel]

What a discovery for me! Pity that no quality recording is available. The second version was thoroughly spoilt not only by the screaming child's parent but also by people shouting in the background and uncouth clapping.