For a prolific composer who led such a long and interesting
life, Tansman's music remains surprisingly neglected. Nevertheless,
it is probably fair to say that the very best of that music
is not to be found in his piano compositions, many of which
were collections of miniatures - of which the Petite Suite
featured here is a good example.
Whilst the Suite and the Valse-Impromptu are little more
than bagatelles, the 24 Intermezzi constitute an important
work, and deserve a place in the repertoire of any pianist,
and in the heart and mind of every pianophile. Tansman composed
the Intermezzi in four books of six, and they are best
heard that way, at separate sittings, to allow the listener
to appreciate fully the differences hidden behind the almost
jokey title. And there are differences: in mood, tempo,
virtuosity ... in so many ways, in fact, that the listener will
find several contenders for favourites in each of the books.
These works were written in troubled times after the outbreak
of World War II, yet this is not dark, grim music, by any means;
nor is it particularly Polish or French; like Chopin, Tansman
was a Pole who spent most of his life in France. It is
profound, however; distantly reminiscent of Chopin's 24 Preludes
in many places (try No.8, for example), but in its 20th
century context sounding more like a curious mixture of Skriabin,
Fauré, Szymanowski, Prokofiev and, for good measure, Granados.
The Petite Suite is a collection of seven very short
pieces - five come in at well under a minute. The Valse-Impromptu
is another very short work, appealing in a Gershwin-type way,
but, like the Suite, with little about it that demands more
than a single hearing.
Though few of the works on this CD are particularly difficult,
there is still ample scope for artistry, of which Eliane Reyes
has plenty. There are no real comparisons to be made, however,
because the Intermezzi and the Petite Suite are
world première recordings.
Neither the piano nor the recording are without their faults:
the piano is very closely miked and a little too often mechanical
noise is clearly audible, at least through headphones, and particularly
in the Intermezzi. In No.2, No.7 and No.8
in particular it is quite maddening.
Byzantion
Eliane Reyes (piano) 
