Composer(s): Foss, Lukas
Artist(s): Dunn, Scott
Label: Naxos
Series: American Classics
Genre: Instrumental
Period: Contemporary
Catalogue No: 8.559179
Barcode: 0636943917923
Release Date: 02/2005

FOSS: Works for Solo Piano (Complete)

Berlin-born Lukas Foss has figured prominently in American music as a distinguished composer, conductor and pianist. His career encompasses the breadth of 20th century techniques and is well represented in this first complete recording of his output for solo piano performed by his close associate, American pianist and conductor, Scott Dunn. The earliest work on the recording, Grotesque Dance, is characteristically light-hearted. Foss’s subsequent neo-classical tendencies are evident in Four Two-Part Inventions, Passacaglia and Scherzo Ricercato. The virtuosic Fantasy Rondo and the tender Prelude in D are infused with the influence of jazz, and of the composer’s mentor, Aaron Copland. Later experimental tendencies are heard in Solo, in which he deftly combines minimalist, serial, and tonal techniques. The coy For Lenny was written in honor of Leonard Bernstein’s 70th birthday and premièred by Foss himself at Tanglewood.

Tracklist

Foss, Lukas
1Scherzo Ricercato06:16
2Passacaglia06:22
3Grotesque Dance04:29
4Prelude in D Major03:22
5Fantasy Rondo09:24
6I. Introduction (Andante)02:29
7II. Allegretto02:46
8III. Tranquillo ma mosso01:35
9IV. Molto vivace02:12
10For Lenny: Variation on "New York, New York"02:31
11Solo13:17

Total Playing Time: 54:43