Divine Art Records

Label: Divine Art

  • American Piano Sonatas

    American Piano Sonatas

    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.

  • Avison: 12 Concerti Grossi after Scarlatti

    Avison: 12 Concerti Grossi after Scarlatti

    Thought by many to be Avison’s greatest masterpieces, these arrangements of Scarlatti’s keyboard sonatas were for many decades the only Avison music known. Now thanks to Gordon Dixon and the Avison Ensemble, a complete edition of his quite large output is well underway; this is the fifth in the series, following two sets on Naxos and two on Divine Art. This is sublime baroque music at its best, performed on period instruments. Purchase the full five volume set.

  • By the River in Spring

    By the River in Spring

    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.

  • Chopin for Piano Duo

    Chopin for Piano Duo

    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.

  • Avison: 18 Concerti Grossi, op. 9 & 10

    Avison: 18 Concerti Grossi, op. 9 & 10

    Following the enormous success of the Avison Ensemble’s John Garth CD (DDA 25059) and the Avison/Geminiani Concerti (DDA 21210) we are delighted to present another premiere recording of the finest baroque music. Even before official release, chosen by Classic FM as its disc of the week, this 2 CD set (at the price of 1 CD) is the first complete recording of these concerti. The Avison Ensemble is led by Pavlo Beznosiuk. This set was another step towards the complete Avison Edition, now complete.

    Avison’s concerti can be played in various instrumentations: here we have the “chamber orchestra” version. Six of the op. 9 concerti are performed in the string quartet version on Diversions 24108. All five volumes are also available as a low-price set.

  • A Night at the Opera

    A Night at the Opera

    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

  • Cello Diverse

    Cello Diverse

    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.

  • Apostle of Ireland – an Office for St. Patrick

    Apostle of Ireland – an Office for St. Patrick

    This disc is dedicated to Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, as is the music itself. With texts newly translated from the original sources, this is a programme of 15th century plainchant, genuinely originating in Ireland, recorded here for the first time after extensive scholarly research. A major addition to the early sacred music repertoire. Performed by Canty, the renowned female-voice ensemble of Cappella Nova, with William Taylor (clarsach).

    With full texts in Latin and English.

  • To Pan and Syrinx – Romantic Flute and Piano

    To Pan and Syrinx – Romantic Flute and Piano

    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.

  • “PROTÉGÉ” – Liszt and Reubke Piano Sonatas

    “PROTÉGÉ” – Liszt and Reubke Piano Sonatas

    Franz Liszt is of course the father of Romantic pianism and his Sonata in B minor is a tour-de-force of whirlwind phrasing and technical demands. Julius Reubke was one of his favoured pupils, whose Sonata in B flat minor is very much in the same mould, and a real challenge to any pianist. Here we present the sonatas of master and pupil together for the first time, admirably performed by celebrated English pianist Anthony Hewitt.

    A Gramophone Magazine Recommended Recording

  • David Earl: Cello Sonata/“Mandalas” Piano Suite

    David Earl: Cello Sonata/“Mandalas” Piano Suite

    David Earl is a fine British composer whose music is at once traditional in its tonality but also absolutely individual and distinctive. This is the first recording of his Cello Sonata, played by cellist George Corbett with James Sherlock (piano); the composer himself performs his exotic Piano Suite No. 3, a musical representation of Buddhist mandalas.

    Booklet notes in English, French and German.

  • The English Flute

    The English Flute

    A fine recital of 20th century music for flute and piano by English composers including some rare pieces, all melodic and memorable. A special recording as it features the traditional “English” wooden flute rather than the metal flute now more prevalent. Its warm tone embellishes these works even more.