Herz: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 7 & 8 (Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto 35)

Featuring

Howard Shelley
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Henri Herz

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Performer Biography

Howard Shelley, the pianist and conductor on this recording, has a distinguished career and has performed and recorded complete cycles of Rachmaninov's solo piano works, concertos, and songs.

Composer Biography

Henri Herz, the composer, was born Heinrich in Vienna, but adopted the name Henri after becoming thoroughly 'Parisienned' by his teens.

Historical Context

Henri Herz was the first important European pianist to undertake an extensive tour of the United States, Mexico, and the West Indies, paving the way for later artists like Louis Moreau Gottschalk.

Composer Biography

Henri Herz was not only a prolific composer and virtuoso pianist, but also a successful piano manufacturer, even inventing a finger-strengthening device called the 'Dactylion'.

Critical Reception

Despite his immense popularity and commercial success during his lifetime, Henri Herz was a frequent target of harsh criticism from Robert Schumann, who dismissed his music as 'delightful tinklings'.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Henri Herz openly acknowledged that his music was designed to court and reflect the popular taste of his time, prioritizing individuality and charm over perceived 'depth or intensity'.