Alkan: The Complete Transcriptions, Vol. 1, Mozart

Featuring

José Raúl López
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Instruments

Alkan's transcriptions were designed to exploit the capabilities of pianos like his Erards, which could integrate orchestral and solo textures more effectively than modern Steinways.

Compositional Technique

Alkan's transcription of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 includes a cadenza that is "gargantuan by Mozartean standards" and explores the Neapolitan tonality's capacity for large-scale structures.

Recording & Production

This album is the first volume in a project to record all of Charles-Valentin Alkan's transcriptions, which are considered the most neglected part of his already overlooked output.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Charles-Valentin Alkan, a composer and transcriber, viewed transcription as a "moral calling" and a "religious act," deeply connected to his Judaic background.

Compositional Technique

Alkan's cadenza for Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 ingeniously cross-pollinates by introducing the opening theme of Mozart's 'Jupiter' Symphony, which shares similar syncopated accompaniment and melodic contour.

Historical Context

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, piano transcriptions were essential for disseminating orchestral, choral, and operatic works to a growing middle-class audience before recording technology existed.

Composer Biography

Charles-Valentin Alkan was known as an exponent of the 'classics,' frequently featuring works from the Classical era by composers like Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven in his public performances.