Maltempo was born in 1985 and completed his musical studies under the guidance of Salvatore Orlando (disciple of the pianist Sergio Fiorentino) graduating with highest honors from the Conservatory “S. Cecilia” in Rome. After he follows the courses of Riccardo Risaliti at the International Piano Academy “Incontri col Maestro” in Imola. This 3 CD contains the major cyclical works by Alkan: the complete Études dans tous les tons mineurs Op. 39, the Sonata “Les quatre âges” and the Sonatina.These towering works of unprecedented proportions, difficulty and originality form a landmark of 19th century pianism, only comparable with Liszt’s compositions in these genres.Alkan’s deep musicality and humanity lift these works from mere curiosities (or monstrosities..) to genuine and universal works of art.This set is a reissue of 3 previously released CD’s, all played by young Italian Vincenzo Maltempo. Their release caused a true sensation: “exhilarating, a revelation!” (Guardian, selected among the 10 best CD’s of 2012), “his playing flashes with summer lightning” (Gramophone), “Maltempo puts his phenomenal technique at the service of his poetic vision”(Piano News), “with this passionate performance Maltempo confirms his place in the restricted circle of Alkan’s best performers” (5 star, Diapason) and many more.
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39: I. Comme le vent, prestissimamente in A Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39: II. En rhythme molossique, risoluto in D Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39: III. Scherzo diabolico, prestissimo in G Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, symphonie pour piano seul: IV. Allegro moderato in C Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, symphonie pour piano seul: V. Marche funèbre, andantino in F Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, symphonie pour piano seul: VI. Menuet, tempo di minuetto in B-Flat Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, symphonie pour piano seul: VII. Finale, presto in E-Flat Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 3 Morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15: I. Aime-moi
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 3 Morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15: II. Le vent
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 3 Morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 15: III. Morte
Disk 2
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, concerto pour piano seul: VIII. Allegro assai in G-Sharp Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, concerto pour piano seul: IX. Adagio in C-Sharp Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, concerto pour piano seul: X. Allegretto alla barbaresca in F-Sharp Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, concerto pour piano seul: XI. Ouverture, maestoso in B Minor
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, Op. 39, concerto pour piano seul: XII. Le festin d’Ésope, allegretto senza licenza quantunque in E Minor
Disk 3
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Grande sonate “les quatre âges”: I. “20 ans”. Très vite
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Grande sonate “les quatre âges”: II. “30 ans. Quasi faust”, assez vite
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Grande sonate “les quatre âges”: III. “40 ans. Un heureux ménage”, lentement
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Grande Sonate “les quatre âges”: IV. “50 ans. Promethée enchaîné”, assez lentement
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: I. Allegro vivace
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: II. Allegramente
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: III. Scherzo-menuetto
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Sonatine in A Minor, Op. 61: IV. Tempo giusto
Charles Henri Valentin Alkan: Étude No. 3, Op. 76: Mouvement semblable et perpétuel
