Glittering figuration BASIL RAMSEY listens to concertos by Czerny and Ries, played by Felicja Blumental Brana    BR 0005

Whilst pupils of Beethoven inevitably prove themselves inferior to the master, relegating them to the 'not wanted' file lessens their service to music. We can learn from their shortcomings, as much as from the surprises they can spring.

A recent Felicja Blumental re-release accommodates piano concertos by Carl Czerny and Ferdinand Ries [listen -- track 4, 1:06-2:10], neither doing more than writing attractive music in the prevalent style. Yet this is accomplished material in every sense. Pianists know what may be expected, but taking matters from that point both concertos do everything with good humour, and the dashings of glittering figuration has its own flavour [listen -- track 1, 6:33-8:01]. At the very least you emerge from this experience without distress!

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