Alexander Moyzes (1906-84) was one of the most important composers of the Slovak school, best known for his 12 symphonies but equally prolific in other genres. This excellent disc gathers his complete music for solo piano (as well as the Jazz Sonata for two pianos) for their first recordings. These works span most of Moyzes’s creative career, from the late-1920s until the early-1970s, and although they are varied in structure and expression they each contain certain recognizable features which collectively define his style. He was basically a conservative, reflecting on earlier periods – impressionism, neo-romanticism and the baroque – and fusing these influences with the rich tradition of Slovak folk music in his own original way.
Whether in the gentle lyricism of the Two Studies in the Form of Prelude and Fugue (a homage to J. S. Bach), the ebullient virtuosity of the Brigand Rhapsody (inspired by a Slovakian legend, the equivalent of Robin Hood, and in places reminiscent of the nationalistic piano music of Smetana), or the contrapuntal complexity of the youthful Sonata in E minor, Anthony Goldstone’s advocacy is impressive. His playing is at times appropriately muscular, elsewhere more subtle and colourful, but he always conveys these works with the utmost conviction. The enormous fugue which concludes the Sonata is given a genuine sense of grandeur, despite the hazardous pianistic demands. His wife, Caroline Clemmow, joins him for the Jazz Sonata, and their stylish and involving performance reinforces their outstanding reputation as a piano-duo partnership.
Overall this is an enjoyable and rewarding disc, recorded with faithful sound, which anyone with a penchant for unusual repertoire will find worth exploring. It will also be of particular value to those interested in Czech and Slovak music and may appeal to those who enjoy the intricacies of the piano music of Medtner.'