JOSEPH MATTHIAS HAUER (1883-1959): Early Piano Music - Nomos, Op. 1, 7 kleine Klavierstücke, Op. 3, 5 Klavierstücke, Op. 15, Nachklangstudien, Op. 16, Musik-Film, Op. 51.

Description: Of the few works by Hauer that make it onto today's programs from time to time, the "Nachklangstudien", which in their delicate texture develop a very special, somehow oriental aura, are probably the best known. Quite different are the "Five Little Pieces" from the same year, which, with their reminiscences of Reger and other contrapuntalists, seem almost traditional. The cycle "Music-Film" is downright enigmatic. The 21 character pieces have programmatic titles, as if they were meant to illustrate a silent movie - or are they even a parody of this genre? In any case, Hauer actually wanted to publish the collection under a pseudonym. And indeed, the pieces have nothing in common with Hauer's other tonal language. Steffen Schleiermacher (1901 Steinway D piano).