It's not British, but...J. P. E. Hartmann Piano Works Vol 5

This is the fifth volume of piano music by the Copenhagen-born Danish composer J.P.E. Hartmann. For details of his life and achievement, see my review of Volume 1 of this cycle. This present CD explores various collections of pieces as well as three waltzes.

Once again, I was disappointed that there is precious little commentary on the music recorded on this CD. It is repertoire that is little-known, certainly to listeners in the UK. The liner notes, assembled by Claus Byrith, do provide a long and detailed introduction to Hartmann, including an assessment of Britain’s military action in Demark during the Napoleonic wars and the contemporary political situation with Germany. Commenting in general, the liner notes explain that “the piano works…occupy a significant place in [Hartmann’s] production. He wrote several sonatas and…a number of short pieces intended for use not only in the concert hall, but also in the drawing room.” 

A brief descriptive note on each work would have been helpful and rewarding.

The programme begins with the Fantasy in G minor, op. 7 (1831). To my ear, this is slightly unbalanced pianistically: it flits across multiple moods and fancies without ever settling: maybe that is its point?

The Six Fantasy Pieces, op.54 was written in 1855. They contain much beautiful pianism. I was particularly taken with No.1 in F sharp major, marked Allegro poco moderato pastorale. Less remarkable is the third, Canto Marziale Religioso: it seems to me laboured. More fun is No.4, a little scherzo-like number performed Allegro molto assai. I think that this collection ought to be played as a group. They are too slight to be played individually.

Three waltzes are heard. The first, Grand Waltz in E Flat Major (1826) is a highly infectious romp, with more thoughtful episodes. It was penned when Hartmann was only 21 years old. Thirty-three years later the Midsummer’s Waltz (1859) was completed. It gently nods to Chopin and Weber. The Slow Waltz in E flat major (1947) is darker but lasts for a mere 43 seconds ending before it really gets going.

Equally charming are the Eight Caprices, op.18 (1835), admired by Robert Schumann himself. But there as a sting in the tale. This critic considered that they had “intellectual vigour” but thought that they lacked melodic interest. In the present recording, Thomas Trondhjem has teased out the tuneful aspects of these pieces. I was particularly impressed with the bewitching No.6 in F major. I found all of them full of interest and delight.

The liner notes explain that Hartmann heeded Schumann’s analysis when he came to write his Two Character Pieces, op.25. They are indeed full of charm and occasional magic.

I have remarked on the CD booklet above, however, it is well produced and features an interesting contemporary painting by Heinrich Hansen of the Christiansborg Palace from Højbro Square, Copenhagen. There are also some sheet music scans, a portrait of the composer and one of the soloist. The text is printed in Danish and English.

The Danish-born pianist, Thomas Trondhjem, is highly regarded for his “immense” repertoire of classical through to modern music. He has released many CDs by various Danish composers including Friedrich Kuhlau, C.E.F. Weyse and Fini Henriques. He is also a teacher at the Music Academy of Jutland West and from 2004, professor at The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus. Trondhjem is widely respected in Denmark as a chamber musician and accompanist for singers.

Trondhjem is an outstanding advocate for Hartmann’s piano music. He brings technical skill, nuanced playing, and academic erudition to this CD. Danacord’s sound recording is always clear and vibrant.

J.P.E. Hartmann’s compositional models are plentiful. They include Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Frédéric Chopin, and Scandinavian folk song. One individual that struck me as a major influence is the Hungarian pianist, teacher and composer, Stephen Heller. Commentators have remarked on nods to Edvard Greig, and more tellingly, intimations of Carl Nielsen. It is up to the listener to decide if Hartmann has replicated or synthesised his prototypes. Overall, this music is full of interest and gives considerable pleasure. Listen slowly, to each number or collection at a time. It is rewarding music.

Other reviews of this series are Volume 2, Volume 3 and Volume 4.

Track Listing:
J. P. E. Hartmann (1805-1900)
Fantasy in G minor, op. 7 (1831)
Six Fantasy Pieces, op. 54 (1855)
Two Character Pieces, op. 25 (1839)
Grand Waltz in E Flat Major (1826)
Midsummer's Waltz in A Major (1859)
Slow 
Eight Caprices, op.18 (1835)
Thomas Trondhjem (piano)
rec. Spring 2023, Concert Hall, Holstebro Music School and Music Academy, Denmark.
Danacord DACOCD 968

With thanks to MusicWeb International where this review was first published.