This may or may not be a work in progress - I'll have to let you guys be the judge.

I was looking around on PS pages the other day and noticed a missing piece in the "Three Pieces, Op. 24" and so I thought, "hey, maybe I can do that one". Well I found the score online, but I don't like the name of it at all! Valse Grotesque (Satyre)? I don't understand what that means - it's not really grotesque, I don't think. Maybe someone can clue me in... And the reason I'm not sure if this recording will fly is because I don't know about the tempo. It's marked Vivo and so I used a metronome marking of 170. I did look everywhere on the internet for a recording of this but didn't find one. So please be honest and tell me if you think this is good enough for the site or not.

Bortkiewicz - Valse Grotesque (Satyre) Op. 24, no. 2

Hi Monica,

I just listened to this waltz of Bortkiewicz. Although I don't know the piece, I believe you've played it very effectively and convincingly indeed. Marvelous! Thanks so much for learning and recording it, as it completes Op. 24--a worthy effort for John Robson, you and me, although we each learned one of the pieces in a different year between 2007 and 2010. This waltz is like none I've ever heard before--so I dare say it's not derivative in any way, rather it sounds refreshingly original, and relates well to its title. We usually think of a waltz as romantic and graceful--but not this one!

David

Thank you, David. I'm happy to be in the company of two fine gentlemen! And I was sort of hoping you could shed some light on the title "Valse Grotesque". Maybe the word 'grotesque ' is there because like you said, this doesn't sound like a typical waltz. I think if I ever play any more Bortkiewicz, I'd like it to be something pretty like the ones you've played. Is there perhaps one that is missing on our site and that you don't want to play and then maybe I could try it if it's not too difficult?

Intrigueing piece this one, not typical of the composer, it reminded me rather of Ornstein. I like it better than the usual 'pretty' Bortkiewicz pieces. Well played, too. It could maybe have a bit more diablerie, but a fine effort all the same.

Hi Monica,

If you're looking for some really lyrical pieces of Bortkiewicz, for starters check out the Lamentations & Consolations, Op. 17. I'd suggest No. 4, as you'd really love the piece, I'm sure.

David

Ok, thanks for listening. I'll ask the devil to come sit next to me on the piano bench next time I want to play this. Maybe that will help....



Oh good - that's great, David - I'm printing out the music right now as I type this. Thank you very much - I love looking at something new to me!