From the gentle to the torrential, water in nature affects, blesses (and afflicts) us in many ways, and composers have been drawn to this theme time and again. Here one of the world’s brightest young pianists, in his first CD for us, pulls together a stunning programme representing little raindrops and fountains to oceans and stormy tempests, and including five very fine and atmospheric new pieces by British-Australian composer Alicia Grant.
Period: Contemporary
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Music by John Rose
John Rose writes music which embraces a post-modern freedom – allowing him to build tonal and memorable music often with a strong neo-baroque sound, strongly inspired by Bach – although Shostakovich is another source of inspiration. This is not to limit his work which is varied and rich, but emphasises his distinctive linear style.
Hopefully his work will become better known as his musical legacy deserves recognition.
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Idylls and Elegies – Music by John Jeffreys
The music of John Jeffreys is an absolute delight – overtly Romantic and non-modernist, very much in the tradition of Delius, Warlock and Vaughan Williams. Here a number of delicious orchestral works of stunning beauty are accompanied by fine dramatic vocal works and a Suite of Variations for piano. This CD is essential for anyone interested in the English pastoral tradition – or just in exquisite music.
Jeffreys songs also available: The Far Country (DDA 25049) and Northumberland and Beyond (DDV 24128)
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John Ellis – Music for Organ, Vol. 2
Volume 1 of the John Ellis Organ music was recorded by Ronald Frost and received much acclaim. This CD featuring the extremely talented young organist Robin Walker continues the theme of music which is very firmly in the English Cathedral tradition, but which, as several critics have commented, also displays a very remarkable and distinctive voice – and is as suitable for recital performance as much as within the confines of liturgical use. The brilliant Symphony is perhaps the prime example of this genre to be written in recent years. A recording we are delighted to have in our catalogue. See volume 1 here.
WE ARE SORRY TO NOTE THAT JOHN ELLIS DIED ON APRIL 26, 2010. A GREAT LOSS TO MUSIC.
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Unaccompanied
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.
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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.
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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.
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Brian Chapple Piano Music
Brian Chapple is a British composer of great skill who has not yet been as fully recognised as he deserves. This CD includes music for both solo piano and piano duo, demonstrating a range of styles from the very serious “Requies” to the fun-filled and jazz-inspired “Burlesque”. As ever, performed to perfection by Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow.
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Kris Lennox: Dedication
Kris Lennox is a young British pianist and composer who is already making a name for himself with concerts in Monaco and Japan, as well as other locations. His music on this recording, unlike his more recent experimental work, is unashamedly tonal and lyrical, programmatic – even expressionistic – but yet is not old fashioned but in line with the current popularity of “post-modern”, approachable classical music – a style which stretches back, in British music, through Bath, Wood, and Addinsell to composers such as Ketelbey. But Lennox has very much his own voice, and his music reflects places and events in his experience, “photographed” in music.
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Hugill: The Testament of Dr. Cranmer, etc
Robert Hugill has established a reputation as a fine composer of sacred music, contemporary yet totally accessible and tonal. His extended works The Testament of Dr Cranmer, based on the speech given by Cranmer just before being burnt to death, and What is Man?, are joined by several shorter liturgical pieces all demonstrating Hugill’s distinctive style.
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Fantasie – Music for Horn
Etienne Cutajar is a star of the future and an extraordinarily gifted horn player. This CD presents music for horn with piano, with harp and solo. Included are two world première recordings: the Fantasie Sonata by Charles Camilleri (who attended the recording sessions and was most delighted with the performance!) and Jean-Michel Damase’s “Aspects”.
Booklet notes in English, French, German.
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Fortmann: Requiem for an Unborn Child
Three major works from the renowned Swiss composer Thomas Fortmann – including the first CD recording of his chamber works Ladyboy and Tango Catolico, which have been very popular in broadcast performances. In Requiem for an Unborn Child we hear a work which has received enormous acclaim in Europe – challenging, uncomfortable words, eclectic and distinctive yet completely accessible musical language which draws much upon the German music-theatre tradition of Weill and cabaret-song.