FRIDA KWAST-HODAPP (1880-1949)
German pianist

Frida Kwast-Hodapp was a student of Ferruccio Busoni, who entrusted her with the first performance of his Concertino under his own direction  Max Reger dedicated his Piano concerto in F major to her.  Her capabilities as a pianist were clearly highly regarded.  And yet it is very difficult, for me it has been impossible, to find out very much about her. 

It is said the only commercial recording Frida Kwast-Hodapp left behind is represented by the Scarlatti and Bach you will hear below.  Her Scrlatti is perfection as is her performance of the Bach A minor Prelude and Fugue.  In both cases, surely the fastest I have ever heard, they demonstrate an astounding technical facility placed at the service of the music.  Unlike today's louder-faster bangers, this pianists plays softly at this speed with subtlety, delicacy, and remarkable restraint.  What control she had, and so expressive.  These are different works played this way at this speed, and I like them better for it.

What would I not give to hear more of Frida Kwast-Hodapp's playing?

Scarlatti Three Sonatas
Sonata in G major, L 388 (K.2) - Sonata in G minor L338 (K.450)
Sonata in G major L487 (K.125)

recorded in 1933