Classical Editor: Rob Barnett                               Founder Len Mullenger: Len@musicweb-international.com


José VIANNA DA MOTTA
Piano Music:
Sonata in B major (1885); Cenas portuguesas, Op. 9; Ballada, Op. 16; Ceaas portuguesas, Op. 18; Barcarola, Op. 1, No. 1; Barcarola, Op. 1, No. 2; Adeus, minha terra Op. 15, No.2

Sequeira Costa, piano
Marco Polo 8.225116 DDD [73.41]
Crotchet   AmazonUK   AmazonUS

One of Liszt's last pupils, the Portuguese composer and pianist Vianna da Motta (1868-1948) was trained in Berlin and then briefly with Liszt, in Weimar. He established a distinctive national school of piano performance, combining a distinguished international career with activity in Lisbon as the leading musical figure, there, of his generation. Sequeira Costa, the performer on this CD, was a student of the composer and in 1957 established the Vianna da Motta International Competition in Lisbon.

The opening sonata was written when Vianna da Motta was a student of Liszt, and whilst it is well written, it is very much in the style of Liszt and frankly not very distinctive. The 'Portuguese Scenes' Op. 9 are very different, being three very attractive short works based upon Portuguese folk songs played here with evocative charm and virtuosity; the concluding waltz is very much in the style of Chopin but with Iberian overtones. The Op.16 Ballada of 1905 again has overtones of a Chopin ballade, but develops into a series of complex and sometimes intense variations and eventually leads to a peaceful conclusion - a fascinating work.

The 'Portuguese Scenes' Op.18, pieces are described as Three impromptus on Popular Tunes and again are most attractive, here played with great affection; they are noticeably musically more advanced than the Op. 9 'Scenes'. The two barcaroles are clearly modelled on those of Chopin but have a distinctive Iberian flavour. The concluding work on the CD is very appropriately 'Farewell my Country', a most poetic and evocative piece.

This CD represents my first acquaintance with this composer and I must say I found it a revelation. Vianna da Motta, on the evidence of this disc, is more at home with short works than with the larger forms; however each of the short works is very melodic and skilful and all are beautifully played by Sequeira Costa. The style could perhaps best be described as Chopin with an Iberian accent and Lisztian technique. I have not enjoyed listening to a new (to me) composer so much for a long time and I recommend this disc without reservation.

The recording is excellent and the CD has an attractive cover and useful notes by Keith Anderson.

Arthur Baker

Return to Index

Reviews from previous months
We welcome feedback on our reviews. Please use the Bulletin Board.  Please paste in the first line of your comments the URL of the review to which you refer.This is the only part of MusicWeb for which you will have to register.


You can purchase CDs, tickets and musician's accessories and Save around 22% with these retailers: