Unknown piano gems written from 1906 to 1909 by the late-Romantic doyen of Russian early/mid 20th-century music, including the towering 25 Preludes, Op. 30, Mazurkas and Esquisses. Exquisite high Romantic music from a composer far better-known for his epic symphonies and orchestral works.
(previously released on Olympia)
Though published as Bach’s Opus 1, the Partitas were composed as Bach was approaching 40 and working in Leipzig. Their varied and changeable movement styles differentiate them considerably from the structure of works such as the French and English Suites, which are otherwise like sets of dance movements.
Judith Lambden is a well established Australian pianist with a long-established reputation as an interpreter of Bach. In this, her first CD for Divine Art, she gives us all a chance to re-evaluate splendid works which (in terms of Bach’s output) are relatively little known. At almost 80 minutes on each CD, a true high-value set at mid-price.
McLachlan has long had a fine reputation as a performer of Russian music, as well as championing brilliant but little-known composers such as Williamson and Chisholm (see the composer index). On this CD, he presents the Piano Sonatas nos 1 and 2 by Shostakovich with works by composers in his circle; though not Russian, the piece by Roland Stevenson is included both because it is based on Shostakovich’s name, but also because Stevenson, politically, can genuinely be called a ‘comrade’ of those devoted to Socialism but fighting the Stalinist regime.
Save %%%% with the entire Series up to vol. 12. More albums being added regularly.
Carnival is a concept of public merry making enjoyed in many countries and a natural inspiration for composers. In the second of his trilogy of piano music related to public entertainments Anthony Goldstone again excels in musicianship in a superb programme which includes the first recording of the entirety of Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite in the piano version.
Be sure also to check out Anthony Goldstone’s companion CDs The Piano at the Ballet, vol. 1 (DDA25073), The Piano at the Ballet, vol. 2DDA 25148 and A Night at the Opera (DDA25067).
It takes a particular and extreme level of skill and dedication to perform virtuoso works for unaccompanied solo violin; suffice it to say these are qualities held by George Zacharias without doubt. This is a tour-de-force of musicianship and technique – and wonderful music too. Bartok’s Sonata is presented in its original version and of the two awesome Paganini works, the ‘God Save the King’ Variations are very rarely heard.
The fourth in our series of Avison’s music, and part of the Complete Edition completed at the end of 2009. These hitherto unknown works are real baroque gems. The op. 1 Trio Sonatas led by the strings, are accompanied by Robert Howarth on chest organ continuo; while Robert moves front of stage and to the harpsichord in the Keyboard Sonatas, op. 8.
These recordings issued at bargain price help further to confirm that 18th century England was a place of fine creative artistry in music. Purchase the low-price five-volume set.
This CD celebrates two notable milestones in American music: the 100th birthday of Elliott Carter (to whom we dedicate the CD and who died two years after its release) and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miklós Rózsa, who sadly is no longer with us. Each wrote just one Piano Sonata – of which this is currently the only recording of the Rózsa piece) and they are presented with the Fourth Sonata (the “Keltic”) of Edward MacDowell. Splendid performances.
This album enabled pianist Peter Seivewright to earn a Special Judges’ Citation in The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, PROFESSIONAL division, 2017-18.
The CD takes its title from the well loved piece by Michael Head. This recital of British music for flute and piano is mainly romantic in mood, but not sentimental, given the robust nature of the sonatas by Alwyn and Leighton (both rarities despite the stature of their composers). A splendid third divine art CD for Smith and Rhodes which includes a number of little gems recorded for the first time.
There seems no end to the brilliance not only of the musicianship and pianistic skill of our top piano duo but also their dedication to re-discovering and recording lost or neglected masterpieces. Here we have the very well known Second Piano Concerto of Chopin, in a two-piano version by Chopin himself and his pupil Mikuli – and never before recorded. A host of other rarities and transcriptions complete yet another reference recording.
Paraphrases, transcriptions and variations on operatic themes for piano solo. Some well known pieces here and some very rare pieces, all stunningly performed and the most wonderful programme of delights. Be sure also to check out Anthony Goldstone’s companion CDs The Piano at the Ballet (DDA25073), Piano at the Ballet volume 2 (DDA 25148)and The Piano at the Carnival (DDA25076).
“Played with real charm. Of all the CDs I’ve heard of these virtuoso showpieces based on other music this is one of the best … a great pianist.” – Rob Cowan (BBC Radio 3, 16 June 2008)
Also available are two totally different sets of transcriptions played by Andrew Wright: The Operatic Pianist DDA 25113 and DDA 25153
Susanne Beer was one of the UK’s leading orchestral cellists and here makes her debut solo album with the extremely talented pianist Gareth Hancock. Diverse works, yet bound in commonality by the cello’s voice-like quality and ability to convey emotion and mood.
Tragically, Susanne died in December 2019, at the age of 52, after a battle with cancer. She will be sadly missed.
Following their first Divine Art album “Enchantment”, acclaimed flute and piano duo Ken Smith and Paul Rhodes have recorded a sumptuous disc of romantic music, including the rare and lovely Sonata by Melanie Bonis, one of the few women composers of the late 19th /early 20th centuries, and who was a pupil of César Franck. Presented in luxury digipak.