This disc is the first of a pair that Hyperion devoted to the four surviving Litolff concertos with Peter Donohoe as the soloist. Both the 2nd and 4th concertos are full of catchy themes and flashy piano passage work. Their main goal is to entertain in a decidedly please-please-me vein. While the 2nd concerto never gets more than skin deep, the 4th does have more musical substance. In both works the writing for both piano and orchestra is highly skilled and is at its best in the chamber music style parts, where Litolff is not that far off the slow movement of a work like Tchiakowsky's first.
The playing is top notch. Peter Donohoe is ideally suited for these works. He has a rock solid technique and approaches the works in a light and lively fashion. As a result the works never get boring or overbearing. The Scherzo of the 4th concerto, the Litolff landmark, gets a blazing performance, not just presto, but presto con fuocco. Litton and the Scots give flawlessly integrated support and Hyperion did a fine job in recording.
Warmly recommended.
Henry Litolff's story is a fascinating one. Born the son of a musician, Henry was, as an adolescent, impressed into working at a piano factory. One day, while demonstrating a piano to a customer, he was "discovered" as a talent by the factory's owner. The owner took Henry under his wing and paid for him to receive formal lessons.
Litolff went on to have four marriages and travel much of Europe as a performer. He composed reams of music--from salon pieces to larger concertos (like the two included here).
Litolff's popular yet well-educated style makes for some pretty enjoyable and accessible listening. In fact, the scherzo of the fourth concerto has been something of a show piece in its own right. It is a lively, almost dancing piece that allows the pianist to demonstrate their adeptness at full speed. I find both concertos to be quite enjoyable. This is what romantic music should be!
I have greatly enjoyed the work that the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has done with Hyperion. This disc is no exception to what is quickly becoming a rule with them (a rule of excellency). The sound is up to Hyperion's typically top notch standard. Andrew Litton has a great grasp on the spirit of Litolff's music and it comes through in his conducting. Peter Donohoe proves himself to be a strong advocate of both pieces.
This disc is well worth hearing. I recommend it.
