José Vianna da Motta (1868-1948): Chopin - Polonaise in Ab

Vianna da Motta was one of Liszt's last pupils, and at the time of his death in 1948 was the last remaining Liszt pupil. He was a Portuguese pianist who, after Liszt died, and after a period associated with von Bulow, joined the circle of pianists centred around Ferrucio Busoni in Berlin.

He was a renowned pianist and teacher in his native Portugal, as well as teaching in Geneva after the first world war, but was essentially little-known outside Portugal due to a lack of an international concerting career and very few recordings being made by him.

His style is noticeably more "modern" than that of the other Liszt pupils. All of his studio recordings come from 1928. This recording is of Chopin's Polonaise in A flat, op.53.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• José
• Vianna
• da
• Motta
• classical
• recording
• piano
• chopin
• polonaise
• Ab
• op.53

[uhartchristian]

you are in the possession of treasures dear D60944.

what a chance to have all these historic recordings.

[d60944]

I am pleased that they are giving so much pleasure!

[Emar4]

So aristocratic and dignified. I had no idea that Vianna da Motta had recorded anything! This is a treasure indeed. Thank you, d60944.

[tasteslikechicken55]

Absolutely awe inspiring performance.

Thank you d60944 for bringing this gem out from obscurity.

[fredericfranc]

...the guys in those days were mostly playing for one another because there was no money in trying to play in public, really...and there was no UTube to tempt them to try to pander to all these UTube clowns, right?...so they developed this kinda insular sound like what you get here...but of course makes you realize in the polonaise you WALK in triple time...it is NO FUCKING DANCE...Liszt would know that...and teach them that...

[maxi937]

imagine being in Liszt's class listening and watching these guys! Not forgeting God himself..