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.
Period: Romantic
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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
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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.
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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.
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“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
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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.
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Violin Songs
From one of the UK’s most celebrated and accomplished violinists comes a recording of personal favourites in a recital of romantic and lyrical music par excellence. Madeleine Mitchell is enjoying a highly successful career in both recording and live recitals, and her first CD for Divine Art is a joyful celebration of her chosen instrument. With highly accomplished pianist Andrew Ball, and joined in Strauss’s “Morgen” by soprano Elizabeth Watts, winner of the 2007 Recital Prize at the Cardiff “Singer of the World” competition. Included is the first ever recording of the newly-discovered Morceau Caracteristique by Frank Bridge.
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Enchantment – music for flute and piano
Kenneth Smith is principal flute of the Philharmonia Orchestra, and also has a busy solo career; for many years he has partnered pianist Paul Rhodes, in a duo which has gained an enviable reputation for quality in both the concert hall and on recordings. The duo’s first CD for Divine Art features a glorious programme of French romantic music*.
Supplied in a high quality digipak. Cover art: from “Paris by Night” by the esteemed artist Nina Mikhailenko.
* We know Franck was Belgian – but he was also a Francophone, and spent much time in Paris.
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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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Gossiana – A Tribute to John Goss
Subtitled, “A 1920s anthology of song” this album is not filled only by music composed during the 1920s, but is made in tribute to one of Britain’s greatest, and now almost forgotten, singers: John Goss. At the height of his career in the 1920s, Goss was a close friend of Warlock, Moeran and other composers, and ahead of his time in giving mixed recitals, including all types of song from lieder to sea shanties. This is reflected in this CD. Giles Davies played Goss in a recent film directed by Tony Britten.
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Grieg for Piano Duo
A most important world première recording – possibly the world’s most loved piano concerto, in the arrangement for two pianos partly written by Grieg himself. The CD also contains the first recording of Grieg’s piano version of the Homage March indomitably played as always by Britain’s leading piano duo.
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Elgar: Symphony no. 2 / Hoddinott: Investiture Dances
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the oldest national youth orchestra in Europe, a sparkling and brilliant performance of Elgar’s Second Symphony, and the only recording available of the three Investiture Dances by Wales’ premier composer.