Tobias Borsboom Delivers with Vítězslav Novák Tone Poem

I think there's a general assumption that orchestration makes music better. Consider the popularity of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." The orchestrated versions are much more commonly performed (and recorded) than the original piano version. 

But is the piano version of a work just a black and white image compared to the technicolor brilliance of the orchestral counterpart?

Not necessarily. 

Vítězslav Novák composed his massive tone poem "Pan" originally for piano. And as this new recording demonstrates, it compares quite favorably to his orchestrated version. 

Novák wrote the work in 1910, giving free rein to his imagination. The poem presents four aspects of nature: mountains, sea, forest, and woman. The work is cyclic, with themes returning in various forms throughout. The harmonies are rich and exotic. 

To my ears, this version reminded me of Scriabin, with some Debussy and Janacek blended in. And while the orchestral version has its merits, this version's strength is its unity of expression. 

One performer, one mind, one interpretation. Tobias Borsboom does just that. He easily executes the Lisztian complexities of the score. He deftly shapes the sound, bringing out melodies buried in the midst of chords. 

And he maintains his artistic vision for a solid hour of playing. Throughout the entire work, I had a sense of purpose and direction. All of this was leading somewhere, and that somewhere was the final movement. Borsboom's lovingly crafted phrasing brings out the beauty of the score and the beauty of its emotional core. 

Highly recommended.

Vítězslav Novák: Pan - A Tone Poem for Piano
Tobias Borsboom, piano
Piano Classics PC10219