Born in Bozen (now part of Northern Italy) in 1861, Ludwig Thuille was an Austrian composer who was thoroughly and undeniably both a romantic and Romantic. A long-time friend of Richard Strauss (whose influences are clear in this piano concerto), he was a prolific composer concentrating predominently on chamber and vocal works, with only two operas, a symphony and this piano concerto his only main orchestral pieces.
The concerto, written in the standard three movements, is bright, ebullient, unfussy, tuneful, and utterly delightful. The first movement is an allegro con brio, and it does exactly what it says on the tin, giving the piano and orchestra equal footing as the piece climbs up the mountain. On top of the mountain, resting on a beautiful plateau overlooking musical heaven is the second movement, adagio sostenuto; we rest here awhile taking in the scenery and regaining energy before the rocky and speedy descent of the third movement's allegro vivace, bringing the piece to the ground with Romantic cadences.
In this recording available on Youtube, it is The Haydn Orchester von Bozen und Trier conducted by Alun Francis with the solo piano being played with undeniable skill and passion by Oliver Triendl that grabbed my attention. Well worth a listen next time you venture onto YouTube.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 3/11/20
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