WITOLD MALISZEWSKI (1873-1939): Complete Piano Works - 6 Œuvres, Op. 4, 5 Œuvres, Op. 5, Prélude et Fugue Fantastique, Op. 16, Matelot and Declaration of Love from the Opera-Ballet Mermaid.

Description: The titles (Prélude, Morceau de ballet, Fantaisie and so forth) of the works grouped into the two generically-titled (in French) suites suggest salon music aimed at the upper-middle class amateur market but each suite comes with a different kind of piece (Mélancolie and Élégie) offering a psychological portrait for variety. These are early works, the latest dating to 1916 and, thus, well before the invigorating mixture of neo-classicism and romanticism which distinguished Maliszewski’s 1938 piano concerto which Dutton Epoch gave us back in April. But the 12-minute fugue is made of sterner and more compelling stuff! Joanna Ławrynowicz (piano).