© Anders Rådén 2005

 

 

 

 

"Scherzo focoso op. 34 provides a remorseless path to pianistic immolation for all but the most invincible techniques. Obsessional torrents of semiquavers, frequent crossings of the hands and inflexible leaps offer no respite but, unlike many other very taxing pieces, this one both looks and sounds as difficult as it is and its coda generates a final fling of virtuosity to end all such displays. Nevertheless one can but wonder if the substance quite justifies its elaboration. Only a corageous performance might tell."

Ronald Smith (Alkan: The Man/The Music, 2000)