Description
Released on a DigiSleeve CD and on all digital platforms: 21 February 2025
ARC III
Louise TALMA (1906–1996)
1. Alleluia in Form of Toccata (1945)
Franz SCHUBERT (1871–1915)
Fantasie in C major, Op. 15, D. 760, ‘Wandererfantasie’ (1822)
2. I. Allegro con fuoco ma non troppo –
3. II. Adagio –
4. III. Presto –
5. IV. Allegro
Claude DEBUSSY (1854–1928)
6. L’isle joyeuse, L. 106 (1904)
Ernő DOHNÁNYI (1877–1960)
7. Pastorale on a Hungarian Christmas Song (1920)
Johannes BRAHMS (1833–1897)
Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5 (1853)
8. I. Allegro maestoso
9. II. Andante. Andante espressivo – Andante molto
10. III. Schezo. Allegro energico
11. IV. Intermezzo
12. V. Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato
György LIGETI (1923–2006)
13. Études, Book 1: No. 5. Arc-en-ciel (1985)
Orion Weiss piano
Recorded at The Concert Hall at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, USA, 12–13 January 2022
Produced and edited by David Frost, Jenn Nulsen and Orion Weiss
Engineered and mastered by Silas Brown
24bit, 96kHz high resolution recording, editing and mastering
Press Quotes
‘Orion Weiss is a consummate musician whose talent is on display at every turn and the way he plays reflects his love of the works he has chosen. This is a disc (and a series) that rewards each listening. If themes are particularly attractive to him, I can’t wait to hear what his next project might be.’ (MusicWeb International)
‘In the last two movements [Schubert], he gives the music free rein, allowing it to blossom simply and immediately, thanks to the impeccable technique of the interpreter, who approaches it in a considered and thoughtful manner: … György Ligeti’s Arc-en-ciel Etude brings the program to an almost dreamy close thanks to outstanding interpretations’ (♪♪♪♪♪ Pizzicato)
‘What fresh and intelligent programming! More importantly, what mindful pianism and stimulating musicianship Orion Weiss brings to the third release in his ‘Arc’ series.’ (Gramophone)
‘The sheer stamina for wrist action and fleet accentuation of the competing rhythms says much about the Weiss technique… Weiss has this sustained moment of polyphony resounding with resolute authority’ (Audiophile Audition)
‘He brings technical brilliance and interpretive insight to the recording, long at seventy-seven minutes but consistently gripping on content and performance grounds… Weiss again impresses with formidable execution.’ (Textura)
‘Weiss captures the energetic quality as it runs through the music, even when it turns to more agitated material… A delightful recital. May it bring good times back!’ (All Music)
‘It’s a canvas of delight, painted with crisp articulation and precise timing, in service of music that radiates life… It’s a thrill to hear this clarity, like sunlight spilling across a shadowed room… His playing has an elemental stamp that reaches the proper grandeur. It’s awe-inspiring, like standing at the edge of a storm and feeling its pull.’ (American Record Guide)
‘A highly enjoyable recital… in Weiss’ hands the fugal finale is exhilarating in its clarity and rhythmic energy. …this intelligently programmed album is warmly recommended’ (The Whole Note)
‘Weiss plays its closing pages with miraculous strength and clarity… Weiss’s mechanical control is never in doubt; his technique is as good as anyone’s who has recorded these works… Weiss’s reading is competitive, and conveys the joy which is this collection’s theme’
‘Weiss begins with Louise Talma’s 1945 Alleluia in the Form of Toccata. The work’s driving energy, sense of exploration, and downright joy are perfectly captured in the pianist’s virtuosic and bubbly performance….
Weiss holds his own here, linking the spirit and sound of these works together to create something that is more than the sum of its parts.’ (Fanfare)
‘Arc III certainly is a delightful conclusion to the trilogy – well worth an audition, as are its two predecessors.’ (Classical Candor)
ARC I: https://firsthandrecords.com/products-page/album/arc-i-presentiment-granados-janacek-scriabin/
ARC II: https://firsthandrecords.com/products-page/album/arc-ii-brahms-shostakovich-ravel/