With, Without a Little Expression

Schumann, Robert;
Hindemith, Paul;
Mosolov, Alexander;
Brahms, Johannes

Rokni, Arash

PCL 10303

"Isn't the will not to be expressive already an expression? Perhaps Paul Hindemith asked himself the same question when he wrote the instructions for the player in his "Nachtstück" not to play without expression, not with expression, but only with a little expression!"

This fascinating concept album juxtaposes piano works which are highly expressive and works which are (on purpose) without or with little expression. The Schumann Variations by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) and the Bunte Blätter by Robert Schumann (1810-1856) are firmly embedded in the 19th century romantic idiom, expressing highly personal emotions. The Dances and Nocturnes by Alexander Mosolov 1900-1973, a Russian experimentalist) and the Suite 1922 by Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) are written in a fundamentally different style. The music of the «new objectivity», of which Hindemith was regarded as the protagonist, is unsentimental, sober, solidly made in terms of form, transparent and concise. It disdains what is «expressive», without being inexpressive.

Arash Rokni was born in Tehran, Iran. His mother’s attempts to learn the traditional Iranian instrument “setar” and his father’s interest in Western classical music sparked his interest in music. After his education in his home country he went to Germany to study in Leipzig and Köln. He was mentored by Nina Tichman (piano) and Anthony Spiri (chamber music). Arash has also had the privilege of working frequently with Andreas Staier and also with Ferenc Rados, Rita Wagner, Andreas Kemenes, Mahan Esfahani, and Robert Levin. He gained international attention by winning 2nd prize and audience award at the “21st Johann Sebastian Bach Competition” in Leipzig, Germany in 2018.

Works:

•Alexander Mosolov: Tänze op. 23b Nr. 1 & 2
•Alexander Mosolov: Nocturnes op. 15 Nr. 1 & 2
•Johannes Brahms: Schumann-Variationen op. 9
•Paul Hindemith: Klaviersuite "1922" op. 26
•Robert Schumann: Bunte Blätter op. 99 Nr. 1-5

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Piano Classics

03-04-2024

5029365103039