Ernst Toch's life and work are explored in historical context as pianist Makiko Hirata performs pieces in chronological order with narration from Toch's grandson, author Lawrence Weschler. The program goes from the beginning with the Brahms and Mozart of Toch's early days in Europe through Toch's very last piano pieces written in Southern California in 1962.
BRAHMS Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 118, No. 1 Intermezzo in A Minor MOZART Minuet in D Major, K. 355/576b TOCH Burlesken, Op. 31 Gemächlich Lebhaft Der Jongleur. Sehr lebhaft TOCH Profiles, Op. 68 1. Calm 2. Moderato 3. Calm, fluent, tender 4. Merry 5. Slow, pensive, very tender 6. Vigorous, hammered