A follower of my blog, Dan from California, was most kind to send more from music from the ten gifted fingers of Lenore Engdahl. I am pleased to offer Ms Engdahl in Franck's Prelude, Chorale and Fugue and Dukas' rarely heard Variations on a Theme of Rameau. Both these works were from a stereo LP of which I have no additional information.
Dan wrote me that Ms Engdahl lives in a retirement community outside of Boston and is a remarkable 93 years of age. She had settled in greatly Boston many years ago after becoming a professor at Boston University. Dan did mention that though a great and respected artist, Ms Engdahl consciously placed her family and students ahead of personal ambitions and a concert career. On evidence of what I have heard, she would have been a highly successful concert hall artist, especially as a recitalist.
The two works offered here are brilliantly played. Ms Engdahl combines insight and intelligence with superlative technique and scrupulous musicianship. The Franck, a massive work, is played stately and with nobility and the Dukas captures the charm and wit of the theatrical Rameau. I'd love to hear Ms Engdahl in an all baroque program - it would probably be a smashing recital!
On a personal note, one of the great thrills of collecting is discovering an artist previously unknown to me. Especially important, is when that artist reminds me of how little I know!
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