Wolf Harden - Ferruccio Busoni: Piano Music, Vol. 12 - Piano Sonatinas Nos. 1, 2 and 4; Prelude and Fugue in C major; Nuit de Noel; Drei Albumblatter

The essence of Ferruccio Busoni's music lies in its synthesis of emotion and intellect, rooted in his Italian and German ancestry. His Sonatinas typify the stylistic range of his maturity, with the First Sonatina unfolding with the spontaneity of an improvisation. Veering between darting angularity and ominous expectancy, the Second Sonatina is one of his most radical musical statements, while the poise of the Fourth Sonatina marks Busoni's closest approach to Impressionism. The Drei Albumblatter represent Busoni at his most austere and profound, reflecting the mystical character of his late music.