Leo Ornstein - Piano Music

Leo Ornstein (1892-2002)

Piano Music: 

Suicide on an Airplane / La Chinoise / Poems of 1917, Op. 41 / Arabesques (9), Op. 42 / Piano Sonata No. 8

Marc Andre Hamelin (Piano)

Leo Ornstein is one of music's originals. He died in 2002, purportedly at 109 years of age, and he was composing almost to the end. His music is an odd mixture of atmospheric impressionism, acerbic Russian Futurism, savagely powerful poundings, and delicate filigree--prime material for Marc-André Hamelin's virtuosic pianism. Ornstein had a penchant for quirky titles, such as Suicide in an Airplane. Written in 1919--not, as one might think, after September 11, 2001--Suicide weirdly captures a contemporary mood with its ominous opening suggesting the hum of an engine, and the chaos that follows. The short works range from the avant-garde eruption of Danse sauvage, to a picturesque sound impression of San Francisco's Chinatown. The Arabesques are a set of diverse miniatures, some impressionistic, some recalling Scriabin; others are concise étudelike tests of pianistic prowess. The big work on the program is the half-hour long Sonata, completed when Ornstein was in his late 90s. It's full of bold harmonies, slashing attacks, gorgeous moments of lyrical repose, and off-center humor. This is fascinating music brilliantly played. --Dan Davis

It is shameful that Ornstein sank into obscurity after a brief period of fame early in the century. His music is simply magnificent, especially the piano quintet, but his solo piano music is so stunning, that it is hard to find the right adjective. Anyone who loves modern classical music should buy this. It is one of the greatest collections of piano composition I have ever heard. Ditto for the Janice Weber piano collection on Naxos, and check out the piano quintet too! Ornstein's works have not been widely performed and recorded, so keep eyes peeled. His hammering, forceful piano concerto needs to be recorded also. Perhaps Hamelin will pick that one up as well.