Our third disc of organ music by young British composer James Cook, with two major symphonies and other works. Cook’s music is haunting, ethereal and spiritual – no fireworks; this is music to savour with mind at ease. Almost 160 minutes of music.
Genre: Instrumental
-
Szymanowski: Complete Piano Music
The music of Szymanowski is lively, thrilling, robust, and exciting. It is also immensely difficult to play, and few artists can cope with its technical demands of bravura and virtuosity. One who can, with consummate skill and musicianship, is Sinae Lee, whose new recording “makes other versions of the complete piano works seem amateurish by comparison” according to pianist Raymond Clarke, whose own disc of Szymanowski sonatas was rightly acclaimed.
-
Graham Whettam Piano Music
Graham Whettam’s music has been praised highly for its skillful construction, drama and atmosphere. Here we have two pieces for piano duet and several solo pieces in superb performances by the late Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow.
-
Schubert Unauthorised Piano Duos, Vol. 2
This CD contains music by Schubert, arranged for piano duo by the composer’s close friend and duet partner Josef von Gahy, all recorded for the first time, as well as Schubert’s “Friendship” Rondo.
See Volume One and Volume Three.
-
The Voice of the Clarinet
Along with the cello, the clarinet is often regarded as the most “voice-like” expressive instrument. In a unique programme, 20 art-songs and lieder (and one swing classic!) have been newly arranged for clarinet and piano. The result is a beautiful, unusual and uplifting recital with music from across the world.
-
Jill Crossland Live at Restoration House
This CD is a recording of a live concert given at Restoration House, Rochester, on the 1824 Jirikowsky fortepiano. A fine recital by a recognised baroque specialist.
-
Orientale
In their fifth CD for Divine Art, Britain’s leading piano duo explore the east from Israel to Siberia, from Persia to Bali. The influences are diverse. McPhee spent much time in Bali, while John Mayer was in effect one of the founders of the “world music” genre. Anthony Goldstone has newly arranged Achron’s “Hebrew Melody” for piano duo and prepared a performing edition of Holst’s wonderful “Beni Mora” suite from the transcription made by Holst’s pupil Nora Day.
Most of these splendid pieces are recorded here for the first time.
-
Tzigane
A dazzling display of fireworks from the keyboard, this new recording by Anthony Goldstone shows to best effect both his virtuosity and musicianship. Featuring four world première recordings and three superb arrangements by the pianist, a piano showcase of the highest standing.
The cover image for this CD is the painting “Gypsy Dancer” by the remarkable artist Nina Mikhailenko whose work is full of vitality and passion: see her website.
-
The Everlasting Habitations
All the music on this CD was composed during 2004. As with Cook’s choral music, (see Divine Art CD 25023 and 25027), it is written in an approachable, traditional and tonal style, but with an individual and distinctive voice. With many passages which are slow and quiet, Cook’s music allows the organ to express spirituality and devotional qualities without any of the noise and bombast so often encountered. The louder turbulent sections are used in context to good effect without excess.
-
Dvorak & Mendelssohn Symphonies
DVOŘÁK: “New World” Symphony
MENDELSSOHN: “Scottish” Symphony
both in the composers’ own four-hand versionsThere are hundreds of works which have been arranged for piano duet, many quite mediocre. But there are some magnificent works, including those selected by Goldstone & Clemmow, Britain’s top duo. The two symphonies on this disc are such examples, both having been written by the composers as original versions and not as an afterthought. We believe that this is the first recording of the “Scottish” Symphony in this version.
-
Beethoven : Favourite Piano Music
Beethoven’s three most famous sonatas have received hundreds of recordings. Why another, especially from a company like Divine Art which usually avoids duplicating repertoire?
Because we believe that each piece of music demands a performance tailored to the composition, and that recently, every recording of a major work seems to sound the same. Beethoven’s sonatas are fiery, storm-filled works which require playing not only of consummate skill but also total passion and commitment. They receive that here, together with a piano of individual character, with a “visceral” quality (to quote Goldstone), and ideal for this music.
But this CD contains two special tracks: we offer the world première recording of Moscheles’ arrangement of the Overture to “Fidelio”. And also, two alternative versions of the first movement of the “Pathétique” Sonata, one incorporating Goldstone’s belief regarding the correct execution of the exposition repeat. We could not pack any more onto a disc!
-
Piano Music for Children
Written to be played by children perhaps, but not all these pieces are as simple as the title may suggest! Miniature modern masterpieces by some of the 20th century’s greatest composers.
Raymond Clarke is an acknowledged master of the 20th century repertoire and his previous recordings have received immense praise. He has been described as “a staggering pianist of exceptional gifts”.