Hans
Gál. The Complete Works for Solo Piano
Leon
McCawley
CD1: Sonata op. 28; Suite op. 24; Two Sonatinas op. 58; Three Sketches op. 7; Three Small Pieces op. 64; Three Preludes op.65
CD2: Twenty-four Preludes op. 83
CD3: Twenty-four fugues op. 108
3-CD set
Avie 2005
Editor's choice, The
Gramophone, November 2005.
Some reviews:
musicweb international: 'This is a most enjoyable and rewarding set, and strongly recommended'
classicalsource: 'The tremendous, final set of fugues in particular, written by Gál as a ninetieth birthday present to himself, achieve great clarity despite the dense textures through the use of highly medlodic and attractive music subects'
The Gramophone: 'Hardly a single track on this admirable and musically worthwhile collection lacks interest, colour or instant appeal.
The Independent: 'This fascinating set gathers all of his piano music, wonderfully played by Leon McCawley, in which Gál comes over as a highly refined composer with a spritely imagination' *****
BBC Music Magazine: 'A remarkable achievement' *****/*****
International Piano: 'An important and intriguing release ... that brings together Hans Gál's fastidious craft and Leon McCawley's discerning and faithful interpretations, beautifully recorded. This is top-drawer music fully worthy of investigation, study and enjoyment'
Daily Mail: 'One of Hitler's most unintended gifts to Britain was Hans Gál (1890-1987), who fled here in the later 'thirties. A superb composer, fine pianist and wise all-round musician ... The solo piano music, played here by Leon McCawley and beautifully recorded by Gál's grandson Simon Fox-Gál, ranges in time of writing from 1910 to 1980 ... The 24 Preludes of 1960, which take up disc 2, are alone worth the price ... This set is certainly one of the best things I have heard this year' *****