Hahn: Complete Piano Music

Deljavan, Alessandro

PCL 10257

Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but his family moved to Paris when he was a child, and he lived most of his life there. Following the success of his song "Si mes vers avaient des ailes" (If my verses had wings), written when he was aged 14, he became a prominent member of fin de siècle French society. Among his closest friends were Sarah Bernhardt and Marcel Proust. After the First World War, in which he served in the army, Hahn adapted to new musical and theatrical trends and enjoyed successes with his first opérette, Ciboulette. During the Second World War Hahn, who was of Jewish descent, took refuge in Monaco, returning to Paris in 1945 where he was appointed director of the Opéra. He died in Paris in 1947, aged 72.

Hahn was a prolific composer. His vocal works include many songs, lyric scenes, cantatas, oratorios, operas, comic operas, and operettas. Orchestral works include concertos, ballets, tone poems and incidental music for plays and films. He wrote a range of chamber music, and piano works.

This 4-CD set presents the complete piano works by Hahn, including the cycle “Le Rossignol éperdu”. Hahn is the master of the small form, the exquisite miniature: charming, perfumed, nostalgic or gay, his piano works enchant the listener in their fantasy and poetry.

Alessandro Deljavan is one of the most remarkable pianists of his generation. “His playing is full of intensive power and contagious artistry” (Dmitri Bashkirov), “he is one of the most interesting pianists I’ve heard in my life” (Fou Ts’Ong), “he is one of the most major talents of his age” (John Perry), “Jaw-dropping virtuosity and heart-stopping eloquence” (Dallas Morning News).

CD x 4

Piano Classics

18.01.2023

5029365102575