Theodor Kullak - Piano Concerto in C minor, Op. 55 (1850) (First Recording)

The piano concerto in C minor, Op. 55, was composed around 1850 in Leipzig. Its C minor key lends it a noble poignancy in places and dramatic fire in others. Bellini and Chopin are not far distant a lot of the time. Weber too gets a look-in during the last movement. The bravura of the great virtuoso (which Kullak undoubtably was) obviously informs much of texture; there are nasty passages in double notes to overcome, and lots of scales and arpeggios to practise. Nonetheless, it really feels that Kullak the renowned musician of taste and depth underneath all the virtuoso elements. There's a wide-ranging temperament at work, with a charming sense of humour, a lyrical passion, a darker awareness, and the performer's sense of occasion and flair.

I. Allegro (00:00)
II. Adagio (16:21)
III. Allegro moderato ma con fuoco (24:42)

Orchestra: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Soloist (piano): Piers Lane
Conductor: Niklas Willén

Painting: Alt-Berlin mit Dom
Artist: Detlev Nitschke