The Legacy of Pancho Vladigerov

The Legacy of

Pancho VLADIGEROV (1899-1978)

Exotic Bulgarian Masterworks for Piano

Krassimira Jordan (Piano)

Nocturno, Op. 59, No. 4

Prelude, Op. 15, No. 1

Perpetuum Mobile, Op. 59, No. 5

Andantino from Sonatina Concertante, Op. 28

Rhythmic Movement, Op. 37, No. 6

Autumn Elegy, Op. 15, No. 2

Rhapsody "Vardar" Op. 16

Chant, Op. 25, No. 1

Variations "Dilmano, Dilbero", Op. 2 (by Alexander Vladigerov)

The music of Bulgarian composer Pantcho Vladigerov (1899-1978) is a veritable treasure trove of all that is great in Eastern European music. Its influences, like that of Bulgaria's musical heritage in general, range from the exoticism of Greek modes and exuberant irregular meters of Eastern European folk dances to the austerity of Byzantine and Orthodox chant. Vladigerov's urbane eclectic musical pallete also included influences as far-flung as East Asian and Middle Eastern music. His music is composed with a technical command and coloristic inventiveness surpassing that of many composers who are more blessed with attention on recital programs and recordings. And not the least of considerations, he was a master pianist, the teacher of Alexis Weissenberg, and added to the piano repertoire a great catalogue of music that flatters the instrument's possibilities in ways that (hopefully) should in the long run secure for this music a place among that of the greatest of piano composers: Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff. Make no mistake, the fact that this music is virtually unknown has nothing to do with the music's quality, but is rather due to the fact that his scores are now next-to-impossible to obtain. The Vladigerov family, whichs holds the copyright to this music, refuses to let it be printed in the West. Their sensibilities have been so provincialized by the communist regime that they fear exploitation by Western publishers, who have in the past decades repeatedly and fruitlessly begged them for the opportunity.

The stellar poetic and virtuosic performances on this CD, by Bulgarian pianist Krassimira Jordan, are informed by a personal knowledge of the composer and can be considered definitive. Her artistry seamlessly takes into account all of the music's beautiful and exotic colors, as well as the volcanic passion that this music inspires and requires. The selections on this CD mostly emphasize the lyrical and exotic side of the composer, but certain tracks, such as the Prelude in f-minor and the "Vardar" Rhapsody, offer up highly charged performances of the highest virtuosity without ever losing a sense of the music's noble and poetic qualities.

As a side note, many fans of Marc-Andre Hamelin will be interested to know that he has recently taken a passionate interest in Vladigerov's music, which he considers essential. He has been programming this music on many of his recent programmes, and intends to record a disc in the near future. Hopefully this attention will renew worldwide interest in this unfortunately neglected composer.

John Wilson

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MUSIC BY THE BULGARIAN RACHMANINOV.

Pantcho Vladigerov has justifiably earned the symbolic title of Grand Master of the Bulgarian school of composing. It fell upon Vladigerov to become the first recognized representative and brilliant herald of the young Bulgarian art of composing that was trying to find its own place in the world of music after 500 years of being yoked by the Ottoman Empire. His enormous gift and the wide spectrum of his creations gave Bulgarian music what the other great musical nations took pride in long before his star began to rise. Vladigerov, known in the West as the teacher of Alexis Weissenberg, was a composer-pianist with electrifying technique, dazzling energy, and driving spirit. Pantcho Vladigerov's mother was a medical doctor and was related to Boris Pasternak and his father was a lawyer. In 1912, he was sent, with his brother to Berlin where he studied with Paul Juon. He also studied piano with Heinrich Bart who was a pupil of Franz Liszt. At fifteen Pantcho entered the School of Music. In 1918, he composed his first piano concerto for the Russian pianist Leonid Kreutzer. The performance of this work brought him recognition. In 1932 he returned to Bulgaria where he became Professor of Piano, Chamber Music and Composition at the Academy of Music in Sofia. For the next forty years he concertized, composed and made recordings. He died in 1978 at the age of 79. Alexander Vladigerov studied composition and piano with his father as well as conducting with Nathan Rachlin in Kiev. He was ferociously promoting George Gershwin and American jazz in Bulgaria at a time when such artists were persecuted by the Communists for similar activities.

"The subtitle of this collection, "Exotic Bulgarian Masterworks for Piano," is well-earned. Filled with a sensuous modal melody, spicy chromatic harmony, and an Eastern sense of fantasy, these neglected works by Pantcho Vladigerov communicate a remote vision of sublimity....The album concludes with a 1955 set of variations by the composer's son, Alexander, who carries on his father's legacy in a virtuosic work full of syncopated Bulgarian folk motives and massive, quasi-Orchestral sonorities. Bulgarian-born Krassimira Jordan, now a professor of piano in Vienna, plays both Vladigerovs with a romantic line. As usual, Albany offers warm, vivid piano sound. An enjoyable release." 

(American Record Guide)