Julius Röntgen: Sérénade Mélancolique

Julius Röntgen (1855-1932), though born in Leipzig, had Dutch parents, and lived most of his life in Amsterdam, where he became head of the conservatory. He was a friend of Liszt, Brahms and Grieg, and as well as being a composer was a successful conductor and accompanist. This piece was published in a 1910 compilation of the ten winning entries of a competition for piano music run by the 'Verlage der Signale', and judged, inter alia, by Busoni. Although Szymanowski was one of the other winners, Röntgen seems to be the only one to have two pieces amongst the winners, and I assume the works were submitted anonymously. It somehow reminds me in it sombre mood of the song 'Twilight Fancies', by Röntgen's near-contemporary, Frederick Delius.
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Played by Phillip Sear
http://www.psear.co.uk

Category:

Music

Tags:

• piano
• classical
• Dutch
• Holland
• romantic

[Zindaras]

I kind of randomly found this video when looking for Dutch composers, and I am impressed both by your playing and the song. I could listen to this all day. I have to say, I applaud your skills and your courage in choosing lesser-known music to play (not just this song but throughout your entire repertoire).

[PSearPianist]

@Zindaras That's really kind. There is so much music available for the piano that I prefer to let the 'A-listers' produce multiple recordings of the 'standard repertoire' and focus on the rest!

[jannarta]

Has images of snow, tundra and the 'North' about it .Cool and inviting.Jannarta.

[PSearPianist]

An interesting view, as always from you.

[gypcnme]

Very nice. Putting melancholy to music. Where do you find all these pieces? Another composer I have not heard of.  I like the bit of information you share about the composers. A mini music appreciation course. Thank you!

[PSearPianist]

Thank you! I actually found this piece online following a request from a viewer to record something by this composer.

[otterhouse]

Und Grieg war auch dabei... :)

[PSearPianist]

Thank you! I shall have a look at the other prize-winning piece by him in the collection from which this came.

[Babejuda]

Unique. Special mood. Beautiful playing.

[PSearPianist]

Thank you Paul. This piece definitely deserves a place in the repertoire.