Vassilis Varvaresos - V for Valse (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Who said waltz was frivolous? For this recording dedicated to the genre, Vassilis Varvaresos has concocted a program that shatters prejudices. Far from 18th century ballroom dancing, the selected works are filled with sensuality, irony and strength. It is the fatal side of this musical whirlwind which is highlighted: Liszt and his diabolical waltz; Schumann and his chiaroscuro emotion; the sad elegance of Tchaikovsky; Scriabin and his lush sensuality; Rosenthal's ecstatic freedom on Johann Strauss's themes; and, on the ruins of the past, the poisonous darkness of Ravel's Valse. This swirling invitation is an ideal playground for the expressiveness and brilliant virtuosity of the Greek pianist, graduated from Julliard School and CNSM Paris, winner of George Enescu International Piano Competition in 2014, and Piano Masters Competition in 2015.

Tracklist:
1. Méphisto-Valse No. 1, S. 514 11:15
2. Soirées de Vienne, Valse-caprice d'après Schubert, S. 427: VII. Allegro spiritoso 07:03
3. Carnaval de Vienne, Op. 26: I. Allegro 08:52
4. Carnaval de Vienne, Op. 26: II. Romanze 02:43
5. Carnaval de Vienne, Op. 26: III. Scherzino 02:14
6. Carnaval de Vienne, Op. 26: IV. Intermezzo 02:16
7. Carnaval de Vienne, Op. 26: V. Finale 05:07
8. Six Pièces, Op. 51: VI. Valse sentimentale 04:55
9. Valse, Op. 38 06:54
10. Carnaval de Vienne, humoresque sur des thèmes de Johann Strauss 06:41
11. La Valse, poème chorégraphique, M. 72 (Arr. Maurice Ravel) 11:22

Composers:
Liszt, Ferencz (1811-86)
Ravel, Maurice (1875-1937)
Schumann, Robert (1810-56)
Scriabin, Alexander Nikolayevich (1872-1915)
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich (1840-93)

Personnel:
Vassilis Varvaresos (piano)