Divine Art Records

Genre: Piano

  • In the Mirror

    In the Mirror

    A Profound Tribute to Reflection and Resilience

    In the Mirror is an exquisite collection of works by contemporary women composers, masterfully interpreted by cellist Heather Tuach and pianist Yoko Misumi, both members of the celebrated Greenwich Trio. This album is not just a recording—it is an emotional journey born of reflection, healing, and hope. The title piece, composed by Liz Dilnot Johnson, was commissioned specifically for this project, setting the tone for an album steeped in introspection and serenity.

    The repertoire features original works and new arrangements by renowned composers including Dobrinka Tabakova and Jessie Montgomery, whose contributions enhance the album’s contemplative spirit. Each piece carries its own story, from Jocelyn Morlock’s bird-inspired Halcyon to Jennifer Higdon’s nocturnal reverie Nocturne. These works are tied together by a shared exploration of human resilience and the quiet strength found in moments of introspection.

    The project began during the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and became deeply personal for pianist Yoko Misumi, who underwent successful cancer treatment during its recording. Returning to the piano after her recovery, Misumi found solace and renewal in these compositions, describing the experience as “an emotional and musical healing.”

    Highlights include:

    • Liz Dilnot Johnson’s In the Mirror, a poignant four-movement work dedicated to personal loss and renewal.
    • Jessie Montgomery’s Peace, composed during the pandemic and adapted for cello and piano with the composer’s blessing.
    • Dobrinka Tabakova’s Whispered Lullaby, an evocative piece inspired by Goethe’s Faust.
    • Margaret Hubicki’s lyrical Lonely Mere, a tribute to the serene landscapes of the Malvern Hills.

    The album is both a celebration of female creativity and a testament to music’s power to comfort and inspire. Listening to  In the Mirror is an opportunity to pause, reflect and take in moments of profound calm amidst life’s turbulence.

    This is a must for admirers of contemporary chamber music, fans of women composers, and anyone seeking solace and beauty in music

     

  • Anatoly Alexandrov: Complete Piano Sonatas

    Anatoly Alexandrov: Complete Piano Sonatas

    For the first time, all fourteen piano sonatas by the enigmatic Soviet composer Anatoly Alexandrov (1888–1982) are brought together in a single recording. Known for his richly lyrical style, Alexandrov’s music resonates with the spirit of his contemporaries Nikolai Medtner and Sergei Rachmaninov while charting a distinctive artistic path.

    A prolific composer of solo piano and vocal works, Alexandrov’s œuvre has remained on the periphery of the repertoire, cherished by pianophiles but largely overlooked by broader audiences. His sonatas, written over the course of six decades, reflect a fascinating stylistic evolution shaped by the sweeping socio-political transformations of the 20th century.

    This landmark recording sheds new light on Alexandrov’s place within Soviet music, offering a nuanced perspective that reaches beyond the familiar giants of Prokofiev and Shostakovich. It is both a celebration of Alexandrov’s artistry and an invitation to explore the depth and complexity of a musical legacy ripe for rediscovery.

    Through this ambitious project, pianist Clarisse Teo offers an eloquent and compelling case for Alexandrov’s sonatas as essential listening for lovers of 20th-century music, revealing a forgotten corner of the piano repertoire that brims with emotional depth and historical resonance.

    Singaporean pianist Clarisse Teo is renowned for her bold exploration of lesser-known and contemporary repertoire, earning praise for her “confidently eclectic tastes” (The Straits Times, 2022). Her international career spans solo and chamber performances, including a featured appearance on the acclaimed album Rarities of Piano Music at ‘Schloss vor Husum’ from the 2019 Festival (Danacord Records). Trained in piano, violin, and viola, she holds multiple distinctions, including the FRSM in piano, and completed her Master of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on a partial scholarship.

    Clarisse’s groundbreaking Doctor of Performing Arts degree from the University of St Andrews, supported by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Trust and Trailblazer Foundation Ltd (Singapore), focused on the fourteen piano sonatas of Soviet composer Anatoly Alexandrov. Passionate about reshaping the classical canon, she brings fresh insight and vibrant artistry to the stage, redefining what it means to champion overlooked music.

  • Robin Stevens: A Questing Soul

    Robin Stevens: A Questing Soul

    American Record Guide 2025 Critic’s Choice

    Robin Stevens’ A Questing Soul, his fifth album with Divine Art, offers a compelling portrait of a composer whose work has evolved over nearly three decades. This collection spans a broad stylistic spectrum, charting Stevens’ progression from the lush Late Romanticism of his early works to the more dissonant and experimental idioms of his later compositions. Throughout, Stevens balances technical innovation with an underlying sense of lyricism, humour, and tonal clarity, making this album a rich listening experience for those who appreciate the depth and variety of contemporary chamber music.

    The two most substantial works on the album—Fantasy Sonata and Sonata Tempesta—were composed during Stevens’ late twenties and represent key milestones in his early output. The Fantasy Sonata, written for violinist Christine Townsend and pianist Stephen Robbings, presents an intensely focused sound world built around the octatonic scale. Its single-movement structure moves from a soulful, lamenting introduction to more turbulent, faster sections, culminating in a joyfully intense peroration. Sonata Tempesta, in contrast, is a large-scale, four-movement work whose expansive form allows Stevens to weave together moments of lyrical beauty and stormy intensity. Both pieces showcase Stevens’ ability to combine complexity and accessibility, creating compositions that are intellectually stimulating yet emotionally resonant.

    The album also includes a number of shorter works, or “miniatures,” which offer Stevens the opportunity to explore new compositional ideas on a smaller scale. Pieces like Stratospheric! for solo violin and Toccata for solo piano demonstrate his flair for virtuosity and dynamic contrasts, while others, such as Cri de Coeur, evoke more contemplative, intimate soundscapes. These miniatures are fascinating in their own right, offering a glimpse into the composer’s more experimental tendencies.

    One of the album’s more unusual works, Scherzo in Blue, brings jazz influences into Stevens’ instrumental music—a rarity in his oeuvre. The piece is infused with “blue notes” and jazzy piano chords, creating a playful yet sophisticated contrast to the more classical structures found elsewhere on the album.

    The title track, A Questing Soul, reflects the essence of the album: a compact tone poem for solo piano that alternates between dreamy lyricism and muscular, assertive themes. The piece encapsulates Stevens’ ability to juxtapose contrasting musical ideas, leaving listeners with as many questions as answers—an approach that defines much of his work.

    With its blend of large-scale sonatas, experimental miniatures, and the intriguing title track, A Questing Soul offers a comprehensive view of Robin Stevens’ compositional range. This album will appeal to those with an interest in the intersections of modernism, Romanticism, and contemporary chamber music.

  • Tomono Kawamura: Reminiscence

    Tomono Kawamura: Reminiscence

    In her new album, pianist Tomono Kawamura invites listeners on a journey through the rich tapestry of classical piano music. From her early beginnings of music education in Japan to her career on the global stage, Tomono’s deep connection to the piano shines through in every piece she plays. Her selections for this album reflect a blend of personal memories and timeless masterpieces, each one brought to life with her distinct poetic sensitivity and technical brilliance.

    The album begins with Tchaikovsky’s October, Op. 37a No. 10, from his celebrated cycle The Seasons. In choosing this particular piece, Tomono captures the reflective and nostalgic mood of autumn, with its lingering profound warmth and hint of melancholy. Her interpretation brings out the delicate interplay of light and shadow in Tchaikovsky’s evocative composition, setting the tone for the album’s journey through the changing emotional landscapes of classical music.

    Following this, Jean Sibelius’s Etude, Op. 76 No. 2 offers a glimpse into the Finnish composer’s introspective world. In Tomono’s hands, the piece’s subdued elegance and quiet intensity are carefully balanced, reflecting the stark beauty of the Finnish landscapes that inspired it. Brahms’s Hungarian Dance adds a lively burst of energy to the collection, with Tomono expertly navigating its spirited rhythms and fiery folk influences. The piece’s vibrant, dance-like qualities are captured with a joyful intensity that showcases her dynamic range and versatility.

    Tomono’s deep affinity for Chopin is evident in her performance of six of the composer’s works, each selected to highlight different facets of his genius. From the lyrical intimacy of his nocturnes to the virtuosic brilliance of his études, Tomono’s interpretations are marked by
    an emotional depth and clarity that resonate with the heart of Chopin’s music.

    The album continues with selections from Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, and Grieg, each piece chosen to reflect the diverse stylistic periods of the piano repertoire. Whether it’s the crystalline precision of Scarlatti’s sonatas, the sweeping passion of Rachmaninoff’s preludes, the dreamlike textures of Debussy, or the rugged beauty of Grieg, Tomono’s performances are a testament to her understanding of the masterpieces.

    A highlight of Reminiscence is the inclusion of Tomono’s own Variations which was written at the age of twelve. This original work bridges the past and present, blending classical form with contemporary expression. It serves as a showcase of her creativity and deep understanding of the classical tradition, offering a fresh voice while paying homage
    to the composers who have inspired her musical journey.

    Reminiscence is more than just a collection of classical works; it reflects Tomono Kawamura’s lifelong devotion to music. Through her thoughtful interpretations and masterful technique, she shares with listeners a deeply personal experience and memories that will resonate long after the final notes have faded.

    About Tomono Kawamura:

    Born in Japan, at the age of three, Tomono started her piano studies at the Yamaha Music School under Fumiko Eguchi. She made her orchestral debut as a soloist at fifteen. Later, Tomono was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Christopher Elton where she graduated with the First Class Honours. She has won number of awards and appeared in such venues like the Wigmore Hall, London. In recent years, Tomono has appeared internationally as a solo recitalist, captivating audiences around the globe.

  • Jonathan Östlund: Rêveries

    Jonathan Östlund: Rêveries

    Rêveries is the highly anticipated new album from acclaimed composer Jonathan Östlund. Renowned for his evocative and cinematic compositions, Östlund weaves together classical elegance with contemporary innovation.

    Reveries showcases Östlund’s ability to craft immersive soundscapes and ignite the imagination. Each track on the album is a masterful blend of intricate orchestration and emotive melodies, reflecting Östlund’s deep understanding of both the power and subtlety of music. From the sweeping, majestic passages to the intimate, delicate moments, the album captures a spectrum of emotions.

    Collaborating with world-class musicians, Östlund has created an album that is not just heard, but felt. 

    “It was a moving moment for me to record Jonathan Östlund’s poetic, highly musical, and flutistic work” – Myriam Hidber-Dickinson, flute

    ”Jonathan Östlund’s music has this rare emotional freshness, which I really appreciate in music. His style gives us, performers, a lot of ways for searching colors, timbres, images, all that we call ‘interpretation’.” – Evgheny Brakhman, piano

    Jonathan Östlund, a Swedish composer with a BA and MA in Composition from LTU, has completed nearly 200 works, including orchestral pieces and violin concertos. His music, performed by renowned musicians like Einar Steen-Nokleberg and Yuri Revich, is released under Divine Art Records, with acclaimed albums such as “Lunaris,” “Voyages,” “Mistral,” “Imago,” and 2023’s “Elysian”. Östlund’s achievements include premieres and CD releases with the London Schubert Players, awards like the Public Choice Award for his Cello Sonata and the Leicester Symphony Orchestra’s 1st Prize for “Celebration Fanfare.” His works have been performed across Europe, the UK, and the USA.

  • Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 (“The Trout”)

    Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 (“The Trout”)

    This digital release is a companion to “John Boyden: A Celebration” and presents a new recording of Schubert’s Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667 (“Die Forelle/The Trout”), performed by Jonathan Higgins and the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra. John Boyden, a luminary in the British music industry, is honored with this tribute, marking his exceptional contributions to classical music.

    John Boyden’s illustrious career began with the founding of Classics for Pleasure, achieving the remarkable feat of selling four million classical recordings in four years. As the first Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, he navigated a tumultuous period with visionary leadership. Boyden’s innovative spirit also led to the creation of several independent classical record companies and the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra, dedicated to reviving early 20th-century performance styles.

    Boyden championed a return to the classic Double Cube or Shoebox concert hall design and criticized the modern orchestra’s growing volume. His belief in the human pulse over the metronome’s tyranny reflected his commitment to authentic musical expression.

    Born on 14 September 1936 in Woolwich, London, Boyden’s journey in music was predestined. His entrepreneurial ventures, including Philharmonic Records and John Boyden Recordings, showcased his dedication to bringing classical music closer to enthusiasts. Collaborating with Paul Hamlyn, he launched Classics for Pleasure, resonating with global audiences.

    Boyden’s tenure as the inaugural Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra was marked by significant artistic developments. Despite facing challenges, his influence was profound. His subsequent roles as a writer for Private Eye and the launch of Enigma Classics demonstrated his versatility and commitment to the industry.

    Disillusioned by contemporary orchestral recording practices, Boyden revived the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra in 1992, preserving the traditions of the original orchestra and championing a more organic approach to music-making.

    John Boyden’s legacy transcends his numerous achievements; it lives on in the hearts of those inspired by his unwavering pursuit of artistic integrity. This exquisite recording of Schubert’s masterpiece celebrates his enduring impact.

  • Dina Parakhina: 200 Years Diabelli Variations

    Dina Parakhina: 200 Years Diabelli Variations

    Celebrating 200 Years of the Diabelli Project

    To commemorate the bicentennial of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations, the Divine Art label proudly presents “ 200 Years: Diabelli Variations”. Originally introduced by Anton Diabelli with words of admiration for its innovation and artistic brilliance, the Diabelli Variations have since transcended time, becoming a cornerstone of the piano repertoire, rivalling even the esteemed works of J.S. Bach.

    The story behind the Diabelli Variations adds to their mystique. Legend has it that Beethoven initially dismissed Diabelli’s theme as a mere “cobbler’s patch.” Yet, he later transformed this simple waltz into a complex, kaleidoscopic masterpiece, showcasing a wide range of characters, styles, and textures. From playful parodies to profound meditations, Beethoven’s variations span over 60 minutes of inventive musical exploration.
    Renowned pianist Dina Parakhina, who first performed the Diabelli Variations during her final recital at the Moscow Conservatory, brings her deep understanding and lifelong study of this monumental work to her latest recording. Parakhina’s interpretation captures the intricate structural unity and the emotional depth of Beethoven’s composition, reflecting her illustrious career and devotion to classical music.

    About Dina Parakhina
    Dina Parakhina, a distinguished Russian pianist and educator, has been a Piano Professor at the Royal College of Music since 2009 and a College Fellow since 2019. She has taught at prestigious institutions such as the Central Music School in Moscow and Chetham’s School of Music, and currently holds a position at the Royal Northern College of Music. Parakhina has performed globally as a soloist, made numerous recordings, and given master-classes around the world. Her expertise and passion for music have also seen her serve on juries for international piano competitions.

    Parakhina’s illustrious career began in Sochi and led her to study under notable mentors in Moscow. She toured extensively with the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and later organized significant projects like the Medtner Marathon, which celebrated the works of Nikolai Medtner. Her recording of Medtner’s Piano Sonatas and Fairy Tales was critically acclaimed, highlighting her dedication to bringing classical masterpieces to contemporary audiences.

  • Matt Dibble: 24 Preludes and Fugues

    Matt Dibble: 24 Preludes and Fugues

    London-based composer Matt Dibble tragically passed away in 2021 shortly after completing his 24 Preludes and Fugues for solo piano. His death, attributed to complications from the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination, left a void in the classical, jazz, and pop music scenes where he was beloved and respected. Dibble’s compositions showcased his remarkable versatility, blending neo-Baroque, jazz, pop, and modernist influences into a deeply personal collection crafted over six years.

    Despite never meeting the composer, internationally renowned pianist Freddy Kempf undertook the recording of Dibble’s work with great enthusiasm. Produced by Paul Baily, Kempf’s interpretation captured the essence of Dibble’s compositions, reflecting a shared appreciation for musical values. One of the pieces from the collection will soon be included in Trinity College London piano exams, ensuring Dibble’s legacy reaches pianists worldwide. Divine Art Records released the recordings as a tribute to the late composer.

    Freddy Kempf, celebrated for his dynamic performances and expansive repertoire, has collaborated with esteemed conductors and orchestras around the globe. His recordings, including Tchaikovsky and Schumann recitals, as well as Prokofiev and Gershwin concertos, have garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a masterful and versatile pianist.

    Matt Dibble, born and raised in Southeast London, left a diverse musical legacy spanning classical, jazz, and pop genres. Alongside composing, he was a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Dibble’s jazz trio and participation in various bands showcased his eclectic talents, from punk-jazz to Beach Boys tribute performances. In pop music, he released six solo albums and co-founded the successful band Super dB.

    Educated at the University of York and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Dibble honed his skills under the mentorship of Alan Hacker and Tony Coe. His untimely death at the age of 40 marked a profound loss for the music community, robbing it of a visionary artist with boundless creativity and passion.

    Matt Dibble’s posthumously released 24 Preludes and Fugues stand as a testament to his artistic legacy, showcasing his innovative blend of musical styles. Collaborating pianist Freddy Kempf’s interpretation ensures Dibble’s music resonates with audiences worldwide, while Dibble’s diverse musical contributions across genres continue to inspire and be enjoyed by listeners.

  • Tales of the Glens: piano music by Philip Hammond with storytelling by Liz Weir and Colin Urwin

    Tales of the Glens: piano music by Philip Hammond with storytelling by Liz Weir and Colin Urwin

    Tales of the Glens is a journey through Ireland’s Glens of Antrim, as depicted in Anthony Capparelli’s piano album of compositions by Philip Hammond. Inspired by years of immersing himself in Celtic and Scandinavian traditions, Capparelli’s collection beautifully captures the essence of this picturesque region.

    During his tenure as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Capparelli delved deep into rural communities, discovering the profound impact of traditional storytelling and music. Guided by the esteemed Liz Weir, a renowned storyteller, he found himself enchanted by the village of Cushendall, where the tapestry of local tales and melodies fueled his passion.

    Teaming up with acclaimed composer Philip Hammond, Capparelli aimed to create an album that not only honours the spirit of the Glens but also transcends musical genres. Through thematic resonance and evocative melodies, each composition pays tribute to the people, folklore, and landscapes that have left an indelible mark.

    The album features selections from “Miniatures and Modulations,” showcasing Hammond’s innovative interpretations of traditional harp tunes. From the whimsical charm of “The Little and Great Mountain” to the poignant allure of “Open the Door Softly,” listeners can experience these ancient melodies in a fresh light.

    The centrepiece of the album is an innovative multi-movement work for pianist and storyteller titled Tales from the Sea of Moyle. A collaboration between Anthony Capparelli, Philip Hammond, and two of Ireland’s most renowned bearers of the storytelling tradition, Liz Weir MBE and Colin Urwin, this work tests the boundaries of collaboration between art forms. Each story is set along the Antrim coast and delivered by the commanding voices of Weir and Urwin, offering the listener guidance, and sometimes warning, on their journey.

    Originally from Wisconsin, USA, Anthony Capparelli is a versatile pianist with a diverse musical background. He has performed solo and chamber music in six countries, showcasing his love for modern repertoire influenced by his upbringing in folk and Irish traditional music. Capparelli has toured extensively in the Midwestern USA, Ireland, and the UK as a chamber musician and has coached with renowned ensembles and pianists such as the Elias String Quartet, Kronos Quartet, Orion Weiss, and Emanuel Ax.

    With a passion for vocal repertoire, he has participated in masterclasses with prominent vocalists and trained at the International Opera Academy. Capparelli’s commitment to accessibility in music is evident through his teaching and performances in unconventional venues such as rural pubs, hospitals, senior care homes, and prisons. Holding a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Iowa and a Postgraduate Soloist Diploma from KASK/Conservatorium in Belgium, he now resides in Gent, Belgium.

  • David Johnson: 12 Preludes and Fugues

    David Johnson: 12 Preludes and Fugues

    Dr David Charles Johnson (27 October 1942 in Edinburgh – 30 March 2009 in Edinburgh) was a Scottish composer and a scholar of 18th-century Scottish music. Johnson was “an internationally recognised scholar” whose work significantly contributed to rediscovering and redefining 18th-century Scottish music within its historical context. His research focused on the music and social life of lowland Scotland during the 18th century, exploring influences, tastes, and key musical figures of the era.

    Johnson’s 12 Preludes and Fugues are among the few significant pieces he composed for the piano, alongside a five-minute Sonata. Written in the early-mid 1990s and published in 1995, these compositions are notable for their unique blend of sound, reminiscent of 20th-century composers like Hindemith or Prokofiev, while incorporating elements such as quotations from Bach and references to Hugh MacDiarmid’s work. They also feature direct quotations of popular tunes like ‘Johnny Cope’ and ‘The Animals Went Marching Two by Two’, infused with a distinct Scottish flavour. The thematic backbone of the suite is borrowed from Aberdonian composer Shaun Dillon, using the Scots-Gaelic word bheatha, ‘life’, represented musically by the notes B-flat, B, E, A. Johnson masterfully employs this motif to form a tone row, guiding the keys across the 12 works in the suite, making his Preludes and Fugues a unique and distinguished addition to Scottish piano music.

    Christopher Guild is making waves on the international music scene for his exceptional work with British, particularly Scottish, piano music. He has recorded numerous albums for esteemed labels such as Toccata Classics, Piano Classics, and Champs Hill Records, featuring works by renowned composers like Ronald Stevenson, Francis George Scott, and Bernard van Dieren. His upcoming recording for Divine Art marks another milestone in his career, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent interpreter of British piano repertoire.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven: Complete 35 Piano Sonatas

    Ludwig van Beethoven: Complete 35 Piano Sonatas

    Experience the full scope of Beethoven’s musical evolution with this comprehensive collection of his 35 piano sonatas, meticulously organized in chronological order to offer a panoramic view of his artistic journey, tracing Beethoven’s transformative progression as a composer.

    While opus numbers traditionally guide the dating of Beethoven’s works, exceptions abound, notably in the case of the Opus 49 Sonatas. This collection challenges the conventional exclusion of the early “Kurfürst” Sonatas, shedding light on Beethoven’s formative years as a composer. Musicologist Professor Barry Cooper’s advocacy for their inclusion, based on their publication by Beethoven himself and their intrinsic merit, finds resonance in this comprehensive set.

    Pianist Tamami Honma brings these sonatas to life with precision, adhering closely to Cooper’s editorial corrections in the ABRSM edition. Cooper’s meticulous research, comparing original manuscripts, early editions, and historical sources, ensures an authentic interpretation of Beethoven’s intentions, from note values to nuanced articulation. This collection is not merely a recording; it is a vibrant testament to Beethoven’s brilliance, offering a fresh perspective on his extraordinary works.

    Renowned Japanese-American pianist Tamami Honma is celebrated for her expressive and captivating performances, earning acclaim in prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and Carnegie Hall. Her recordings, including the Chopin concertos with the Vilnius String Quartet, have garnered five-star reviews in Gramophone and the BBC Music Magazine. As a distinguished piano performance educator, Honma serves on the music faculty at Stanford University and Santa Clara University

  • John Boyden: A Celebration

    John Boyden: A Celebration

    By kind permission, dedicated to H.M. The Queen, Patron of the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra.

    This album to be released in March celebrates the life and career of John Boyden, a pivotal figure in British music circles, not least for his founding of Classics for Pleasure, and later Enigma Records. Two key recordings from the original catalogues are presented for appraisal anew, together with a brand new recording of the ‘Trout’ Quintet, commissioned specially for this release and recorded at the Henry Wood Hall, London,  on 10 and 11 July, 2023. Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata is played by John Lill courtesy of Universal /Decca (successors to the Enigma catalogue), and Schubert’s Die Schöne Müllerin by Ian and Jennifer Partridge is licensed from Warner Music as current owners of the former EMI/Classics for Pleasure list.

    Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 (“The Trout”) from this album is available as a digital ‘EP’ in high definition download here.