British pianist Mark Viner continues his complete Alkan-cycle with the 4th volume, containing one of the most extraordinary piano works of the 19th century, the Symphony for piano solo. It is one of Alkan’s most darkly impassioned conceptions, its declamatory rhetoric, passionate outbursts and towering climaxes all bound by a tightly organised structure. The sometimes ten note chords, thick, chordal tremoli and volleys of double octaves create a truly symphonic sound spectrum. Also included are the Three Marches “quasi da cavalleria’ Op. 37, the haunting Funeral March Op. 26 and the festive and pompous Triumphal March Op. 27. Mark Viner’s complete Alkan cycle is gaining widespread international attention. The 3rd volume, containing the massive Grande Sonate, received the prestigious Gramophone Award, as well as CD of the Month in International Piano. “For the second disc in his gargantuan 17-CD project of recording all Alkan’s music Mark Viner gives us the 25 Préludes with an exemplary musicianship and assurance...makes you eager for further issues from this outstanding and most enterprising pianist” (Bryce Morrison in International Piano). Viner’s previous recording of the Alkan Etudes Op 35 received 5 stars and CD of the Month in BBC Music Magazine as well as 5 stars in The Guardian (“Viner rises to Alkan’s extraordinary challenges”). The booklet contains an excellent essay on Alkan and his works by the artist himself.