Julia Smith (1905-1989): Piano Concerto (1938 ; rev. 1971)

[@utsteinproductions]

Piano Concertos in the Modern Era are very interesting, yet enjoyable. Some may take a few listens to enjoy as they are not of the typical Classical and Romantic style we are used to hearing. I find modern concertos to be more cinematic, sometimes jazzy due to all the key changes, yet they still retain some romanticism. Thanks for posting these rarely heard gems!

[@Boltogenta]

Agree. That happened to me with some passages of Richard Flury's 4th Symphony (1951). He remains romantic after all, nothing like, say, Paul Hindemith. But yet it seems that he introduces some cinematic sounds.

[@johnberky3670]

A colleague with a special interest in American classical music asks that I post the following: Kudos to Courentin Boissier for sharing this audio of a major work by an almost forgotten US 20th Century composer. And bravo for catching the most current information regarding her birth year. A few more details to provide, taken from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for February 27, 1976: The orchestra here is the Dallas Civic Symphony. The concert date was February 28, 1976. Soloist Larry Waltz is identified as a “North Texas State University music faculty member.” The conductor’s last name (as it appears in this and a different newspaper account) is Schaenen. I’ll close by noting that the Star-Telegram article mentioned includes a picture of the pianist and composer.

[@kathrynduda2801]

Same artistic music as George Gershwin. ❤

[@johnberky3670]

My colleague asks that I append this p.s. to the previous item I posted for him: A re-examination of the two Texas newspaper items using a magnifying glass (old eyes and small type) indicates that the pianist's name also requires a correction. His last name (as it appears in both newspaper accounts I consulted) is Walz. So it is Larry Walz you are hearing. Quoting from the Fort Worth article: "Walz said that although 'modern music is much more difficult for me, I had played some of her music earlier and that made this piece easier.'"

[@GiantPetRat]

Holy wow, this piece is sexy as hell. THANK YOU for bringing it and so many other obscure works to my/our attention!!

[@carloslijoicarcano]

I dony know whats about this concert.....is sexy.......is hell......is mysterious.....is fantastic....is hysteric music? I surrender