Unsung Composers

The Music => Recordings & Broadcasts => Topic started by: Alan Howe on Thursday 25 April 2013, 07:54

Title: Lekeu Piano Sonata
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 25 April 2013, 07:54
Does anyone know Lekeu's Piano Sonata (G minor, 1891)?
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Guillaume-Lekeu-1870-1894-Klaviersonate/hnum/3499859 (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Guillaume-Lekeu-1870-1894-Klaviersonate/hnum/3499859)
Title: Re: Lekeu Piano Sonata
Post by: petershott@btinternet.com on Thursday 25 April 2013, 11:32
I've never heard it, and as far as I'm aware this is the first recording? Definitely one to be pursued, since he wrote it (I believe) in 1891 - the same year as that stunningly beautiful Violin Sonata. On the strength of that work, and a mere handful of other chamber works, I would think there's a strong chance that poor Lekeu ascended straight to heaven at the very tender age of 24.

Thanks, Alan, for notifying us of the CD. This is one I'm sure I would have otherwise missed.
Title: Re: Lekeu Piano Sonata
Post by: mjkFendrich on Thursday 25 April 2013, 12:31
Quote from: petershott@btinternet.com on Thursday 25 April 2013, 11:32
I've never heard it, and as far as I'm aware this is the first recording?

There has been a recording with Luc Devos on Ricercar from 1994 - now available as commercial download from various platforms,
also including Lekeu's cello sonata and 3 pieces for piano.
Title: Re: Lekeu Piano Sonata
Post by: petershott@btinternet.com on Thursday 25 April 2013, 12:49
Thanks! The circle of gratitude has now widened.
Title: Re: Lekeu Piano Sonata
Post by: Peter1953 on Thursday 25 April 2013, 21:41
I'll guess it's one of those almost forgotten, very unsung rarely played piano gems. Knowing Lekeu's fine, rather complex and somewhat melancholic chamber music, the piano sonate could very well be a masterpiece. I'm eagerly awaiting some audio samples, although I'll order the CD anyhow.
Title: Re: Lekeu Piano Sonata
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 25 April 2013, 22:05
Quote from: Peter1953 on Thursday 25 April 2013, 21:41
although I'll order the CD anyhow

Me too.