Godowsky's transcriptions are not literal reproductions; he reworked original pieces with great freedom, creating personal re-compositions that became his own works.
Performer Biography
Laurent Wagschal, the pianist on this album, is known for his fervent interpretation of French music and his defense of lesser-known French composers.
Composer Biography
Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938) was celebrated as one of the greatest pianists of his time, acclaimed on prestigious stages across five continents in the 1920s.
Critical Reception
Godowsky was often misunderstood and reviled by critics throughout his life, who accused him of distorting original works and making them unplayable.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Godowsky believed that a masterpiece is indestructible and remains untarnished even when transcribed, arranged, or paraphrased, retaining its intrinsic value.
Composer Biography
Godowsky, who was of Polish origin, spent much of his life in the United States and became an American citizen in 1892.
Compositional Technique
Godowsky created 22 transcriptions of Chopin's etudes for the left hand alone, achieving polyphony that gives the illusion of two hands playing.
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