Geoffrey Norris of The Telegraph just reviewed a new recording of piano works performed by David Greilsammer. The concept for the album was a set of works that were connected, but led the composers in different paths. Included were Alexandre Tansman’s Second Piano Concert (1927), Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Nadia Boulanger’s Fantaisie for piano and orchestra – which Norris refers to as the “biggest surprise” of the recording.
The work, which was premiered in 1913, is a rather conservative, and in that way a disappointment to Norris who was anticipating a progressive piece akin to the works of Boulanger’s most famous pupils. Norris states that:
While at time overblown and structurally loose-knit, it is well worth a listen.
Adding:
It might also give a clue as to why Boulanger felt her main talent lay in teaching.
I recommend having a listen and deciding for yourself – the work is available as a download from Amazon.com.