Marcus Bosch – Review on RMT News International of “Paul Constantinescu: Piano Concerto & Wedding in the Carpathians”
Paul Constantinescu: Piano Concerto and Wedding in the Carpathians A major recording!
This spellbinding recording of one of the greatest composers of the 20th century is finally available on the French market.
Paul Constantinescu (1909–1963) Born in Ploiești, he is one of the foremost Romanian composers, alongside George Enescu, Ciprian Porumbescu, and Eduard Caudella. He studied in Bucharest before moving to Vienna, where he studied with Joseph Schmidt and Joseph Marx. He taught at the Bucharest Conservatory until his death at the age of 54. He left an important body of work, including two operas of great beauty, symphonic works, concertos—including a Triple Concerto for violin, cello, and piano—chamber music, piano works, and songs. His writing embraces a delightful neo-classicism. He is to Romanian music what Respighi is to Italian music, and he also remains quite close to French musical traditions.
Piano Concerto: a reference recording Let us say it straight away: this recording by Oliver Triendl—whose discography of discoveries and rediscoveries is already vast—is a major musical event. Written in 1952 and premiered in 1953, this concerto is among the most beautiful of the 20th century. It reveals a classical language infused with Slavic and French influences. This sumptuous work stands in the lineage of Pierné, Ravel, Villette, or Christoff. Written in three movements, the first is dense and refined, marked by subtle harmonic exploration that pushes tonal writing to its limits, and it demands flawless virtuosity, which the soloist delivers fully. Certain post-Rachmaninov accents are intriguing. The second movement is the summit of the concerto—such simplicity and melodic beauty unfold here. The third movement presents a wealth of motifs, dazzling in its vitality, with rhythms not far removed from jazz. In many respects, this remarkable concerto recalls that of Taktakishvili, written a few years earlier. Oliver Triendl’s interpretation, of extreme musicality, is a pure delight. He forms a legendary partnership with the German orchestra under the passionate direction of Marcus Bosch—the two are as one.
Wedding in the Carpathians Composed in 1938, the choreographic poem Wedding in the Carpathians evokes the nuptial rituals found in Stravinsky’s works. One can sense the ethnomusicological influence of Kodály or Bartók in Hungary. Of considerable scale, this piece is an invitation to travel. The orchestration is rich both melodically and harmonically, featuring numerous traditional dances such as the Hora, and it concludes with a joyful dance. Romania remains a magnificent country, and the Carpathians are a region of intoxicating and striking beauty. The Rostock musicians give their very best, and Marcus Bosch feels completely at home in this repertoire that deserves rediscovery. Romanian culture is extraordinarily rich. The bold Hänssler label offers us an enchanted interlude—thank you! We eagerly await recordings of Constantinescu’s Violin Concerto and his Triple Concerto.
This recording also foreshadows three unmissable concerts on January 25, 26, and 27 in Rostock at the Volkstheater, under the direction of Marcus Bosch, with the outstanding pianist Oliver Triendl bringing to life Hermann Grädener’s Piano Concerto in D minor, Op. 20. The programme will also include music by Brahms and the Hymnische Symphonie by Mathilde Kralik von Meyrswalden. Don’t miss it!
