Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938) was a pianist of legendary prowess capable, particularly in private, of achieving ultimate feats of pianistic brilliance reflected in his Strauss Paraphrases and his 53 Studies on Chopin’s 27 Studies, a delight in taking virtuosity to new undreamed of heights. Yet even here he confronts the inevitable brickbats that came his way, the accusation of tampering and gilding the lily or a ‘trading on sacred soil’ with a show of disarming candour and modesty. He wishes only to ‘probe hidden beauties’ believing that Bach would not have disapproved, in view of the amazing modernisms so frequently found in his compositions and considering his very free amendments to his own and other composer’s works. Indeed, for the ever-outrageous Kaikhosru Sorabji, Godowsky transcended Bach’s ‘dry, rattling skeletons of compositions’ investing them with a grandeur and richness beyond the originals. Alas, Godowsky would have felt slighted and insulted rather than praised by such a claim, particularly when it was his intention to approach with ‘awe and reverence the imperishable wonders of Bach.’

from notes by Bryce Morrison © 2009