Alfons SZCZERBIŃSKI (1858-1895)
Complete Piano Works Volume 2
Polonaise in B flat major Op.13 [8:02]
Rondeau in F major Op.1 [6:19]
Three Romances sans paroles Op.8 [9:15]
Theme and variations in G minor (ed. G. Koukl) [8:04]
Chanson sans paroles in E minor [1:44]
Capriccio in D minor (ed. G. Koukl) [3:39]
Chanson sans paroles in A flat major Op.16 [2:55]
Andante con variazione in F major (ed. G. Koukl) [12:05]
Chanson sans paroles in C sharp minor Op.31 [5:51]
Fuga in C major (ed. G. Koukl) [3:15]
Giorgio Koukl (piano)
rec. 2021, Studio Bottega de pianoforte, Lugano
GRAND PIANO GP884 [61:52]
Here is volume two of Giorgio Koukl's survey of the music of forgotten composer Alfons Szczerbiński; the first volume (Grand Piano GP876 review ~ review) introduced us to his attractive if a little derivative piano works all in world premiere recordings, as are all the works recorded here. Once again these works are undated though opus numbers give us some indication of chronology if nothing else. Short biographical details can be found in the previous reviews so I will not repeat them here.
The earliest work, or at least the first one published, seems to be the Rondeau op.1. It could very easily be Haydn or Mozart; the rondo theme is easy going and graceful and is interspersed with several more dramatic episodes in contrasting minor keys that have hints of Schubert before the work ends with a short, spirited coda. The polonaise that precedes it on the disc is effective and well-constructed but again one is immediately drawn to comparisons; the shadow of Chopin's Polonaises op.53 and op71 No.2 is cast over all with hints of great polonaise op.44 as well. The first disc was full of pieces entitled Chant sans paroles, a title that Szczerbiński was fond of and several more appear here with three Romance sans paroles thrown in for good measure. A blind audition of the Romance sans paroles op.8 no.3 – méditation - or the attractive rippling chant sans paroles in E minor might suggest lost songs without words by Mendelssohn but if you can get beyond these echoes of the older composer they are enjoyable works.
In addition to all the research unearthing and recording these works Koukl has had the sometimes daunting task of deciphering damaged manuscript pages to bring some of these works to a performable state. The two larger scale variation sets are a case in point; Koukl has reconstructed missing and unreadable bars as well as writing material based on the music Szczerbiński had already written to complete both works. The theme of the theme and variations in G minor is a slow and stately minuet and its first variation simply adds a more flowing accompaniment. The next variations move to the major key with running thirds in the right hand and then a military like polonaise. Elements of Chopin's op.9 no.1 Nocturne can be heard in a reflective variation and this leads seamlessly into a repeat of the opening material to bring the work to a close. Another minuet-like theme introduces the Andante con variazione, a work which is more classically influenced than the romantic mood of the Theme and Variations. Schubert and Beethoven are the models here, Schubert especially in the rippling second variation and elements of Beethoven's variation style from the Diabelli Variations and his Variations in C minor can be discerned. If not exactly of its time – it was probably written in the mid to late 1880s and 1890s - it is still a successful and enjoyable piece. The Fuga, is one of several contrapuntal exercises that Szczerbiński left in manuscript and is evidently an earlier example judging by the immature hand. Finally we have the Capriccio, a virtuoso study in dynamic contrasts that dies down to nothing, evidently preparation for a central section that hasn't survived. Koukl manages to tie into the fabric of the earlier music and brings the work to a conclusion that if satisfactory is hardly the burst of pianistic fireworks that the booklet promises.
My comments about the music and performances from the first volume stand here too; attractive, well-crafted miniatures that are pleasant to listen to if you accept the ghosts of Schumann, Mendelssohn and others hovering close by played in a competent and considered manner. Certainly a disc I shall dip into now and again.
Rob Challinor
