Schubert: Four Impromptus

Franz Schubert's Impromptus, Opus 90, were composed in 1827, the year before the composer's death at the age of 31. Schubert: Four Impromptus juxtaposes these limpid, yet emotionally complex piano pieces with companion interludes by three Irish composers. Simon O'Connor's "Self Portrait" lovingly traces back over the shapes of the first impromptu, whilst at the same time interpolating strokes that are more typical of his own style. "Was Du Mir Warst" ("What You Were To Me") by Benedict Schlepper-Connolly takes it's title from a letter that Schubert wrote in his final days. Rhapsodic and intimate, the music is constantly reflecting back on itself, yet always tumbling forward. With dark colors, saturation and a sense of getting lost, Garrett Sholdice's "The Dreams Flow Down, Too" refers to Schubert's song "Nacht Und Träume" ("Night And Dreams"), both in it's title and in the quoted music of it's ending. Michael McHale's sensitive performances allow our perceptions of what is familiar and what is strange to shift. The listener becomes immersed in a new world: expansive, dark and organismal. Belfast-born Michael McHale is one of Ireland's leading pianists. Michael's debut solo album The Irish Piano (2012) was selected as "CD of the Week" by critic Norman Lebrecht, who described it as "a scintillating recital - fascinating from start to stop", whilst Gramophone praised, "the singing sensibility of McHale's sensitive and polished pianism". Ergodos produces concerts and recordings, and runs it's own ensemble, Ergodos Musicians.

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