Description
Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938) stands out as one of the most distinguished pianists from the era of piano virtuosos, which flourished from the mid-19th century until the passing of Vladimir Horowitz and Sviatoslav Richter. His intricate transcriptions and arrangements have endured through shifting musical trends, yet it is only in recent years that his original compositions have begun to garner the recognition they merit. The release of this volume marks the inaugural collected edition of Godowsky's piano works by Carl Fischer, with the first volume focusing on his original compositions, including the impressive hour-long Sonata in E Minor (1911). This five-movement piece serves as a comprehensive showcase of piano technique, reflecting the composer’s deep understanding of the works of Chopin, Brahms, and MacDowell. Additionally, the volume features three sets of shorter works: Walzermasken, 24 Character Pieces in Triple Meter (1912), Triakontameron, Thirty Moods and Scenes in Triple Meter (1919), Java Suite (1925), and the significant Passacaglia (1928). Each volume in The Godowsky Collection, including Volume 1, is accompanied by a critical and historical introduction authored by Dr. Milan Sachania.
