Gounod: Complete Works for Pedal Piano & Orchestra (Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto 62)

Featuring

Howard Shelley
Roberto Prosseda
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
Charles Gounod

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Instruments

This recording uses the Pinchi pedal piano system, which combines two Steinway D grand pianos, making pedal piano music more viable to perform.

Historical Context

The pedal piano was originally designed to allow organists to practice outside of church.

Performer Biography

Roberto Prosseda, the pedal pianist on this album, made his pedal piano debut in 2011 with the first modern performance of Gounod's Concerto for pedal piano and orchestra.

Interpretation

The pedal technique for the pedal piano is distinct from organ technique, requiring a more pianistic approach to achieve legato, rich sonority, and dynamic control.

Composition History

Gounod's works for pedal piano were inspired by the talent of Lucie Palicot, a young pupil of organist Alexandre Guilmant and pianist Élie Delaborde.

Composer Biography

Charles Gounod, the composer on this album, turned to writing instrumental music and sacred music after giving up operatic composition.

Instruments

The pedal piano, also known as 'piano à pédalier' or 'Pedalflügel', is a piano equipped with a pedal keyboard, typically connected to a second set of strings.