Moszkowski, Moritz: Kaleidoscope

Ignacy Jan Paderewski once stated that after Fryderyk Chopin, it was Moritz Moszkowski who best understood how to write for piano, as he wielded the gamut of technical means with incredible facility. Moreover, that ensured him of pianistic immortality, albeit solely in the ‘technical’ domain, one might say: today, Moszkowski’s name is known to pianists around the world for his etudes, belonging to the educational canon. Moszkowski not only had a masterful feel for his instrument, but also understood the public’s expectations! Referring to the compliment paid by Paderewski, we might say that after Franz Schubert, it was Moszkowski who best understood the piano duet, particularly the salon-style duet for four hands. In this domain, he attained true mastery, and the two parts in his compositions penetrate and complement one another, at times even rivalling each other, though always in a musical sense. Moszkowski’s compositions create an ideal space for creative dialogue and should certainly command a place in the repertoire of every duo. A publication intended for advanced pianists.