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Acts of Homage

Acclaimed pianist Ian Holtham commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Brahms and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Schubert. Holtham demonstrates the diversity in Brahms' work and showcases Schubert's gift for thematic extrapolation with the pieces presented.

Includes Schubert's 'Four Impromptus Op.90 (D.899) ' written in the penultimate year of his life, these remarkable works based almost entirely on one theme are imbued with fantasy and colour and showcase Schubert's wondrous lyricism, beautiful melodies and colourful harmonic modulations.

As a further homage to the song writing talents of Schubert, this CD also includes Godowsky's 'Six Transcriptions of Songs by Schubert'. Featuring piano arrangements of Schubert's best loved lieder including 'Morgengruß', 'Die Forelle', 'Das Wandern' and 'Litanei' . Godowsky's virtuosic arrangements present an intriguing new perspective on each song while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original works.

The 'Variations and Fugue on a theme by Handel, Op. 24', written in 1861 show Brahms at the height of his creative pianistic powers. These twenty five variations, based on a theme from the first suite in B flat from Handel's 'Clavier Suites', each become independent character studies including a canon, a Hungarian rhapsody and a siciliana, the mammoth fugue concluding the set is a pianistic tour de force.

In contrast the 'Four Piano Pieces, Op. 119' featuring some of the most beautiful vignettes in the piano repertoire are intimate character pieces reflecting the influence of Schumann and the taste for miniatures of the late nineteenth century.

Recorded in the beautiful acoustic of Melba Hall, this CD provides a significant and memorable homage to two great composers.

Artist

Ian Holtham

Professor Ian Holtham is one of the most distinguished and highly regarded pianists and pedagogues in Australia and his performances of the great Classical and Romantic repertoire have played to packed houses and rave reviews for many years.


Press quotes

“Holtham is one of this country's finest pianists... beautifully moulded and expressive performances.”

The Canberra Times

“Holtham's interpretations are solidly drawn and refreshingly free of affectation.”

The Age

“Holtham plays it (Schubert's 'Impromptus Op. 90') on the piano, and makes you feel like you've never heard it before. The naturalness of Holtham's playing gives this 'Impromptu' set a startling vivacity.”

The Melburnian

“Fine performer put together an absorbing program in which the unfamiliar is made accessible and the familiar is made new.”

The Melburnian

“This romantic compilation by Melbourne pianist Ian Holtham is both sensitive and enjoyable.”

SHE Magazine

Audio preview

Track Listing

    Four Impromptus, Op.90 (D.899) Franz Schubert

  1. No. 1 in C Minor - allegro molto moderato
  2. No. 2 in E-flat Major - allegro
  3. No. 3 in G-flat Major - andante mosso
  4. No. 4 in A-flat Major - allegretto
  5. Variations and Fugue on a theme by Handel, Op.24 Johannes Brahms
  6. Six Transcriptions of Songs by Schubert Leopold Godowsky

  7. Morgengrüß
  8. Die Forelle
  9. Das Wandern
  10. Wiegenlied
  11. Heidenröslein
  12. Litanei
  13. Four Piano Pieces, Op.119 Johannes Brahms

  14. Intermezzo in B Minor: adagio
  15. Intermezzo in E Minor: andantino un poco agitato
  16. Intermezzo in C Major: grazioso e giocoso
  17. Rhapsodie in E-flat Major: allegro risulto

Performers

Composers

Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a German composer and pianist, and one of the leading musicians of the Romantic period. In his lifetime, Brahms' popularity and influence were considerable; he is sometimes grouped with Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as one of the Three Bs.

Franz Schubert

Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer. Today, Schubert is admired as one of the leading exponents of the early Romantic era in music and he remains one of the most frequently performed composers.


Where to buy

Acts of Homage is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through Apple Music.

Acts of Homage is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Producer
Vaughan McAlley
Engineer
Martin Wright
Venue
Melba Hall
Thanks to
John McKinlay
Stephen Duns
Release date
1997
Copyright
© 1997 Move Records
Phonogram
℗ 1997 Move Records
Categories
Classical, Keyboard
Catalogue number
MD 3187
Alternate catalogue number
MD3187
Barcode
EAN 9314574318722