Brahms' Hungarian Dances, performed by the Kantorski-Pope Duo, bring a fiery and improvisatory spirit to this classic collection.

The Kantorski-Pope Duo's 'Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances' is an exhilarating debut for Whaling City Sound's Balaena Chamber Series. Pianists Valrie Kantorski and Ann Almond Pope bring to life all 21 of Brahms' Hungarian Dances, showcasing their dynamic artistry in this unique collection of music. These dances, originally composed by Johannes Brahms as piano duets, are infused with the rhythmic vitality and spirited improvisation of Hungarian folk music, making them some of Brahms' most popular works.This album includes the full range of the Hungarian Dances, known for their energy and emotional breadth. The first ten dances are perhaps the most well-known, including Nos. 1, 3, and 10, which were orchestrated by Brahms himself, while others were arranged by Brahms' contemporary, Antonin Dvořák. Violinist Joseph Joachim, Brahms' close friend, also arranged these pieces for violin and piano. Over the years, these pieces have seen numerous arrangements for different instrumental combinations, a testament to their enduring appeal.The Dances themselves vary greatly in style, often alternating between fiery passion and wistful melancholy. Brahms effectively evokes the sound of the cimbalom, a traditional Hungarian instrument, through tremolo in the earlier works. Later dances feature more of Brahms' own signature style, blending the influence of Hungarian folk music with his classical compositional voice. Notably, Dance No. 17 is an original work entirely composed by Brahms rather than adapted from pre-existing melodies.The Kantorski-Pope Duo, with their strong classical credentials and deep understanding of Brahms' music, captures the emotional depth, rhythmic complexity, and improvisatory spirit that these pieces demand. Valrie Kantorski, principal keyboardist of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and Ann Almond Pope, an acclaimed pianist who studied under renowned masters, are three-time recipients of the First Prize in the Graves Duo Piano Competition.

Additional Details

Label: Whaling City Sound

Genre: Classical

Run Time: 49 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 03/27/09

UPC: 687606004528