Ernő Dohnányi - 6 Concert Etudes Op. 28 (audio + sheet music)

The Six Concert Etudes, are bravura pieces for steel fingers and marathon stamina - from start to finish there is no time to catch a breath. The first Etude’s solemn, pounding melody, introduced at the beginning by the left hand, is literally showered by swift torrents of chords played initially by the right hand; the hands alternate in their roles, producing a spectacular effect. In the second Etude, three groups of two sixths in one hand whizz by three groups of three notes in the other; the listener hears a coy, playful scherzo, while the pianist contends with a significant test of dexterity. The third Etude deserves to be experienced not just aurally but also visually; the finger acrobatics, where the two hands play interlaced throughout, one under the other, are something unique that has to be seen to be believed. Etude No.4 recalls the majestic march-like flavour of the first Etude; its insistent bass melody imbues the piece with both sadness and dignity.