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Pieces Egoistes

Format: Digital

Although Belgium in the 19th and 20th centuries was primarily known for its "violin school", represented by figures such as Henry Vieuxtemps and Eugene Ysaye, there was also a flourishing "piano school". After independence in 1830, the conservatories of the new nation opened numerous classes; method books and anthologies appeared in great quantities and piano manufacturers kept pace with new patents and instruments. This dynamic environment also had an impact on composers; everyone wrote music for highly esteemed instruments and brought the results to market by performing them themselves or entrusting them to virtuosos to perform during concerts or competitions. The most famous of these competitions, the Eugène Ysaÿe Competition (since 1951 the Queen Elisabeth International Competition), was opened to pianists in 1938 and Emil Gilels achieved first place. A quarter of a century later, Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden participated in this prestigious competition and won third prize at the age of 16. He was trained at the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles by Eduardo del Pueyo and had an international career that continues six decades later. The programme on this CD is a tribute to this long line of teachers and students. It testifies to the practices and friendship networks that gave this "school" in its various branches its special character.

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