C. V. Alkan - Scherzo Focoso in B Minor [Op. 34] (Yui Morishita)

Performed by Yui Morishita
"A few years ago I was so impressed when I first heard the wonderful playing of the young Japanese pianist Yui Morishita, playing some of Alkan's poignant Esquisses, in which he demonstrated both a remarkably musical ear (which is rare) and seriousness of expression (which is even rarer). This more recent informal performance of his, playing Alkan's Scherzo Focoso Op.34, really makes me smile for it's sheer 'joi de vivre'. The publication of Alkan's Scherzo Focoso was first announced by the Paris publishers Brandus at the end of 1847, and though it may not be one of the composer's most inspired works Alkan still wins us over with the sheer exuberance of his piano writing, and the masterly way he builds up towards truly awesome climaxes. The pianist who plays Alkan must always have enough energy in reserve for the really big moments - otherwise the feeling could be similar to a hill walker climbing a mountain who, thinking they've reached the top, finds out at the next ridge that they still have a long way to go (I speak with experience ... of hill walking!). I defy anyone not feel the exhilaration of the wonderful combination of Alkan and Morishita in the last couple of minutes of this work, when the great handcrossing acrobatics really get under way! [For the full effect I recommend listening to this video at absolute maximum volume!]
I think it's possible this may have originally been intended to be part of a larger work (e.g. perhaps it started life as a possible alternative opening movement of the Grande Sonate before it grew too large, if not one of the Opus 39 set). Personally I think it's a shame it's not part of another piano sonata (the Grande Sonate was after all first advertised at the beginning of 1848 as Alkan's 'Premiere Sonate'!). But I also understand Ronald Smith's ambiguous feelings about the piece - like lots of Alkan the full effect is only apparent as the work develops, after all it's undeniable that the work has a most unpromising opening yet by the end, yes, the work's 'breathtaking audacity' leaves the listener open mouthed with astonishment (and yes it takes the energy of a Morishita to pull it off!)."

-Jack Gibbons on Yui Morishita's performance of Scherzo Focoso