ALEXANDER TANSMAN (1897-1986): 24 Intermezzi, Petite Suite, Valse-Impromptu.
Catalogue Number: 01M054
Label: Naxos
Reference: 8.572266
Format: CD
Price: $11.98
Description: The Intermezzi were written in four books of six each during 1939-40 while Tansman was working in the French propaganda ministry in Paris. Plainly the air of oncoming war hangs over the collection as a whole but individual pieces range from tranquil lyricism to tragic gravity, from Bachian counterpoint to harsh, Prokofievian march, from an Hommage à Brahms to reminiscences of Polish folk music. Each is a self-contained mood-piece of serious intent and is at the opposite end of the spectrum from much of the bright, cheerful, neo-classical piano pieces which have appeared on several volumes on the Acte Préalable label and to which the 1919 Petite Suite also belongs. Eliane Reyes (piano).