The Chopin Concertos with Branka Musulin

A surprise of sorts with this record on the Period label. Both of the Chopin concertos are played by the now forgotten Croat pianist, Branka Musulin. Acompanying Ms Musulin is conductor Hans Muller-Kray leading the SWR Stuttgart Orchestra, of which he was the director during the period of the late 40's through the 50's.  My guess is this record dates from around 1955, give or take a year or so.

I had never heard of Musulin before making this purchase. I was a bit dubious of the contents since Period had a reputation of creating pseudonyms for many of the artists in its "purchased" catalog. The record was in terrific shape and I said, "what the hell, its only a buck." Well, a dollar well spent!

In fact, Branka Musulin was a real person who concertized, primarily in Central Europe, after studies with Cortot and Casella. From 1958, she was a professor of piano at the famed Hochschule in Frankfurt. She is somewhat of a mysterious person in that her birth date is under dispute, was it 1917 or 20, and she apparently stepped over the boundary of a professional relationship, having a child with her patron and sponsor, Friedrich Biernert.  Her recordings are few, although she did cut a Beethoven 4th concerto with Hermann Abendroth. I'll be on the lookout for that...maybe on teh old Urania label?

These Chopin performances are big boned and strong, hardly the more delicate offerings like a Chopin waltz or polonaise. In fact, listening to Musulin, for some reason I'm reminded of Argerich for the sense of purpose in the playing This is keyboard artistry that is lights years away from a Rubenstein or Arrau, heck even her teacher Cortot for that matter! Engaging, athletic, quite fascinating to say the least. The "gentle touches" are quite sparing but altogether not damaging to the spirit of the performance. This record makes me wish that Musulin had recorded the Brahms 1st and even the Schumann concerto.

So, a pleasant surprise indeed from Branka Musulin.

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