Janáček - Sonata 1.X.1905

Hello everyone.
This is my first submission on this forum.

If you like this live performance, have a look on my blog for more info about the piece: http://giuliopotenza.com/leos-janacek-sonata-1.x.1905/

I really hope this lesser known composer gains more popularity.

Thanks!

 

Thanks a lot for the accurate listening and the overall positive impression!

 

Hi Giulio.
This is a very interesting piece and a very good performance!! For me, it's a discovery of Janacek's music. It reminds me of Scriabin's style at least in its impulsiveness and frequent dynamic changes. And as in Scriabin's music, fragile and delicate mode coexists with fiery and dramatic character.
The music's structure is not easy to handle, I think. It's tempting to follow the music and ride on the waves of multiple local culminations that almost immideately subside to PP. It seems to me that organizing the music in the way that it's built up towards one climax would be more interesting ( I am not sure that "correct" is a proper word ) I think it was your intention too.
The piano sounds very well. I like the sounds' richness and colors. Do you use the left pedal a lot on pianissimo? Most of times it sounds good, but I noticed moments than it becomes almost unnoticeable. Sounds' character disappears. I think, if you left pedal you can be less cautious and give a fuller sound.
Thank you for sharing!
Kind regards.

 

Hi Vladimir.

Thanks for your suggestions.
I play this piece often, but it has always something new to discover or to reinterpret, as in every fine compositions. It's good to have many points of view.
I'm happy I managed to interest you in Janáček, as I think he's a very unique composer and deserves more attention.
I think he's underrated because, as you noticed, he's not easy to render on an expressive level. Technically speaking, it's far less demanding than top-notch virtuosos like Liszt, Godowski, Alkan (just to name few of them)... but Janáček's contrasts, change in tempo, alternating sweet Slavonic folk melodies with intense and abrupt crescendos have to be carefully managed to make a general sense. There's no finger dexterity that can help in this.

People nowadays are sadly more keen on watching feats of agility during a piano concert rather than appreciate these things like you did (and thanks for that).
This recording was made by highly skilled professionals, not sure I'll have the same luck for next upload...

Thanks for listening, and for your remarks!

 

I'm new to this piece and was blown away - a fantastic performance, both technically, emotionally and in quality of sound. I was particularly moved by the second movement and the expressiveness in the pianissimos - in all a highly professional recording!

 

Thanks! I'm always happy to disseminate this less known composer. Leoš Janáček piano works are very well worth to be listened as many other of his works!