The twelve pieces which comprise Opp 83, 86 and 87 all appeared between 1909 and 1911 and thus coincide with the beginning of Moszkowski’s decline in popularity. The music itself, however, provides some perfect examples of his later development and refinement of style, including the use of more chromatic and complex harmony. As one might expect, a slight French influence had gradually pervaded his music since his move to Paris in 1897. These shorter pieces represent Moszkowski as the superior salon composer, creating a variety of contrasting moods ranging from the simplistic charm of the
Chanson Populaire or the poetically descriptive
Sur l’Eau to the expressive melancholy in
Complainte or
Elégie and the emotionally intense
Offrande.
from notes by Martin Eastick © 1998
