Czech Dances / On the Seashore
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SMETANA
Czech Dances / On the Seashore
Garrick Ohlsson (piano)
[ Hyperion / CD ]
Release Date: Wednesday 15 June 2016
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Smetana's two sets of Czech Dances-the first comprising four Chopin-esque Polkas, the second exploring other dance forms more associated with Dvořák-provide the ideal vehicle for the understated pianism of Garrick Ohlsson. The evocative tone poem in miniature On the seashore completes the programme.
"Notwithstanding the essential simplicity of their form, Smetana imbues [the Czech Dances] with considerable sophistication. The first has a musing, reflective quality captured beautifully by Ohlsson, and the joyous effervescence of the right hand figuration in the second is suitably dazzling…Ohlsson's performances are consistently attractive…this beautifully recorded issue will certainly not disappoint" (BBC Music)
"A large part of the flavours in these readings derives from the aplomb with which Ohlsson negotiates tempo fluctuations within individual dances, as if to the manner born. Listening to them, it's easy to feel that Smetana's ambition to do for the polka what Chopin did for the mazurka was fully realised…what an accomplishment to present them not only lovingly but fairly bursting with character" (Gramophone)
Tracks:
On the Sea Shore
Czech dances for piano, books 1 & 2 (14)
