FERRUCCIO BUSONI (1866-1924): Works for 2 Pianos - Fantasia contrappuntistica, Preludio e fuga in C Minor, Op. 32 *, Capriccio in G Minor, Op. 36 *, Duetto concertante after the Finale of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19, K. 459 (BV. B. 88) Schumann/Busoni: Introduction and Concert Allegro, Op. 134 (BV B. 109) *, Mozart/Busoni: Overture to Die Zauberflöte, K. 620 (BV B. 93). * - World Premiere Recordings.

Description: While Bach’s pervasive influence is already evident in some of Busoni’s early compositions including the Preludio e Fuga and Capriccio, it reaches its most complex and glorious expression in the definitive 1921 version of his Fantasia contrappuntistica. In the case of Schumann’s Op. 134 for piano and orchestra, Busoni simply reduced the orchestral part for a second piano. However, his skill as a master transcriber and composer is revealed in his brilliant arrangements of Mozart’s works, which also highlight the subtlety and originality of his style. The Fantasia was recorded in 2000 (which explains Ciccolini’s appearance) while the remainder of the disc comes from 2019. Aldo Ciccolini (piano II in Fantasia), Aldo Orvieto, Marco Repetti (pianos).