This disc continues
Ian Hobson's series of works for piano and orchestra by Ignaz Moscheles, with Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 6 and two sets of variations. Moscheles was very much a man of his times, in terms of his music. He thoroughly understood the piano of his day, and while he may not have pushed the limits of the instrument as Beethoven did or write melodies as memorable as Mendelssohn's, Moscheles still produced works that were challenging and full of lyricism. The Piano Concerto No. 1 is straightforward, very much Classical-sounding throughout, even in the darker slow movement. The Variations on Alexander's March is an even earlier piece than the Piano Concerto No. 1 and is essentially a showpiece for the pianist. The variations do not consist of much more than scales or arpeggios accompanying the dashing theme or filigree ornamentation added to it. The Au Clair de la Lune Variations are much more what you would expect: a coda to the theme, based on an inversion of it, is added; the theme is moved to the bass; it's played in different rhythms and tempos; and the whole work ends with a fugue. By the time of the Piano Concerto No. 6, Moscheles seems to have hit his stride, creating a concerto that is still precisely constructed and pianistic, but makes more attractive use of thematic development and modulation.
Hobson is always precise in his execution, but never forsakes good humor or warmth, which he also brings out in the orchestra. Particularly in the finale of the Concerto No. 6 where the melody is of greatest importance, he plays with a smooth legato.
Hobson has a fine sensibility for this neglected composer, striking a well-conceived balance between the music's structure and its sentiment and letting us easily hear the merits of Moscheles' music.