Schumann, Bach & Rachmaninov: Concertos Without Orchestra

Featuring

Salih Can Gevrek
Robert Schumann
Johann Sebastian Bach
Sergei Rachmaninoff

Did you know?

1/7

Album & Artwork

The album's title, 'Concertos Without Orchestra', reflects the pianist's attempt to imitate the fullness of an orchestral ensemble using only a piano.

Composition History

Schumann's Sonata No. 3 was initially titled 'Concerto Without Orchestra' by its publisher, Haslinger, to attract public interest, though this strategy was not successful.

Composer Biography

Schumann composed the first version of his Sonata No. 3 during a troubled time in 1836, inspired by his separation from Clara Wieck, his future wife, whose father disapproved of their union.

Critical Reception

Schumann's Sonata No. 3, despite its evocative title, remains one of his least-played piano pieces to this day.

Performer Biography

This album is the first solo recording by Salih Can Gevrek, who is an Associate Artist of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.

Composition History

Rachmaninov's Moments musicaux, Op. 16, were composed under difficult circumstances, as the young composer was facing financial difficulties and disappointment over the reception of his First Symphony.

Compositional Technique

Bach's Italian Concerto, BWV 971, was composed for a two-manual harpsichord to imitate the dialogue between a solo instrument (concertino) and orchestra (ripieno) found in Italian concerto grosso.