ALBERTINA RASCH & THE GREAT AMERICAN BALLET: PIANO MUSIC FOR CONCERT AND STAGE

Premiere release of newly-recorded original Dimitri Tiomkin music for piano! New recording made in April & May 2022 continues our wonderful relationship with Olivia Tiomkin Douglas, producer and  Dimitri Tiomkin authority Patrick Russ, archivist and writer Warren Sherk, USC librarian Ned Comstock and, importantly, virtuoso pianist Lynda Cochrane with whom Intrada has enjoyed working with on our Royal Scottish National Orchestra releases that include Tiomkin’s masterful score for Dial M For Murder. Written for famed dancer and choreographer Albertina Rasch & The Great American Ballet, these solo piano works, both charming and imposing, were composed between 1927 and 1932. Stylistic ideas are varied, showcasing Tiomkin’s early proficiency with the instrument in works encompassing everything from waltz to jazz, from bolero to blues, from two-step to cakewalk. Detailed notes about Tiomkin at this early stage of his career are provided by Warren Sherk with additional information from producer Russ. But highlighting all is the masterful playing by Lynda Cochrane, which encompasses not only the wide range of styles but also the incredible variety of virtuoso passages both in keyboard technique and musicality. One wonderful highlight is the two-movement “Fiesta”, with it’s richly surging Gitana, followed by the rousing Fandango. The opening Valse Grace and Scarlet Jazz capture attention as well. And the unique harmonic vocabulary of Dark Blue is yet another highlight. Still another is the rousing Tampico movement that closes "Au Mexique". The crystalline recording was made in Scotland’s Studio, Glasgow. Package design by Kay Marshall includes rare photos courtesy of Volta Music Corporation. While it may be a bonus, one need not be a fan of Tiomkin’s film scores to appreciate this meld of arresting and meditative solo piano vignettes, beautifully written by Tiomkin and impeccably played by Ms. Cochrane, who has performed with Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Lalo Schifrin, John Debney, Kevin Kaska and many other noted film music composers. Intrada INT series CD!

 

01. Valse Grace (2:28)

02. Scarlet Jazz (2:45)

 

Suite Choreographic

03. a) Prelude (The Fountain) (2:55)

04. b) Valse Con Moto (4:30)

05. c) Scherzo Humoresque (3:13)

 

06. Quasi-Jazz (3:13)

 

Fiesta

07. a) Gitana (3:14)

08. b) Fandango (3:26)

 

09. In The Land Of The Narcissus (2:37)

 

Paris aux étoiles

10. a) Romance D’un Soir (5:20)

11. b) Creole Blues (2:57)

12. c) Albertina Rasch Girls (2:45)

13. d) Hell Bent (2:02)

 

Au Mexique 14. a) Bolero (1:52)

15. b) Mexican Love Song – Tango (4:02)

16. c) Tampico (1:53)

17. Rhythmic Toes (3:13)

18. Cantabile Andante Blues (1:58)

 

Evelyn

19. a) Evening Waltz (1:50)

20. b) Melodie triste (5:03)

 

21. Scottische (2:17)

22. Quartet (1:37)

23. Old-Fashioned Days (2:59)

 

Aha!

24. a) Dark Blue (3:03)

 

25. Curtain Call (1:14)

Total Time: 72:33