Presents
Wladysław Żeleński
Piano Trio in E Major, Op.22
Wladyslaw (Ladislas) Zelenski (1837-1921) was born in Grodkowice not far from the city of Cracow. After studying piano locally with several teachers, including the well-known concert pianist Alexander Dreyschock, he went to Prague Univeristy where he took a doctorate in philosophy. He also took composition lessons from Josef Krejãi after which he enrolled in the Paris Conservatory where he continued his composition lessons with Henri Reber. Upon his return to Poland he enjoyed a long career as a concert pianist, teacher and composer. He held several important teaching posts including Director of the Cracow Conservatory which he helped to found. He wrote in most genres and left a number of chamber music works which have received considerable praise from the well-known critic, Wilhelm Altmann.
Zelenski's Piano Trio in E Major, Op.22 dates from 1874. It is unusual in that it is programmatic with each movement is given a subtitle which are taken from the poem Song of the Bell by Friedrich Schiller. The opening movement, an Allegro, is subtitled Vivos voca (I call the living). This is a well-written dramatic movement, with fetching melodies. It sounds rather Schumanesque. The middle movement, Andante sostenuto, is subtitled Mortuos plango (I mourn the dead). The music is melancholy but not really sad and does bring to mind a lament for the dead. It, too, is well-written and tonally in the Germanic romantic tradition. The finale, Allegro deciso, is subtitled Fulgara frango (I defeat or repel the thunder) The music consists of a dance-like march with snatches of Polish melody but there are few hints of thunder to be heard. Rather it is a joyous, triumphant Schumannesque affair.
This is a fine work which deserves to be heard in concert concert. It is an excellent romantic era Polish piano trio which is an important addition to the repertoire. Long out of print, it should be of interest to both professionals and amateurs.
Parts: $29.95
