The third volume of Naxos’ Martinu piano music cycle showcases the composer’s mature style in what many consider to be his finest and most original works for the instrument. Both the hauntingly lyrical Sonata and volatile Fantaisie et toccata were written for Rudolf Firkusny, whose idiomatic, multi-hued RCA recordings retain their reference status. However, Giorgio Koukl’s interpretations more than hold their own in such august company.
For example, while Toccata hardly lacks for rhythmic impetus, Koukl’s intelligent melodic projection never allows the churning patterns to become percussive or mechanical. The pianist also puts musical considerations ahead of surface bravura in the delightful Etudes and Polkas. You’ll notice how he gently differentiates the shifting accents in Book One’s A major Polka, whereas Emil Leichner’s faster tempo yields a few flustered moments. On the other hand, Leichner’s hypnotic legato and remarkable melody/accompaniment separation in the same book’s D major Etude and Pastorale and Book Three’s A minor Etude linger more memorably in the ear than Koukl’s relatively conventional pianism. And when it comes to the difficult single-note/chord leaps in Book Three’s F major Etude, Leichner’s leaner, quicker sharpshooting contrasts to Koukl’s slower yet more dynamically conscientious interpretation.
Although I don’t intend to give up Firkusny in the big works or Leichner’s Etudes and Polkas, Koukl’s stylish perception and tonal warmth serve Martinu proud, as do Naxos’ fine sonics. Recommended. [12/18/2007]
