The first movement, in a brilliant and shining D major, has a large-scale and impressive character reminiscent of Rachmaninov. Glittering virtuoso piano passages alternate with orchestral writing that—with its eight horns, six trombones, four trumpets and two bass tubas—has a Wagnerian force. In complete contrast, the second movement has a tragic character in the mood of a funeral march. A timpani roll à la Grieg then launches the listener into a delicious waltz, which in grace and vigour stands alongside Weber’s Aufforderung zum Tanz. The last movement is a tribute to the Viennese waltz and a splendid mixture of popular melody and virtuoso piano-writing that demands spontaneous applause.
from notes by Harald Herresthal © 2007
