We use cookies to make our website work, to improve your experience, to analyse our traffic and to tailor our communications and marketing. You can choose which of these to accept, or accept all.
The Maggini Quartet and Peter Donohoe give a commanding performance of the Piano Quartet, locating an underlying toughness of argument and urgency of expression in both outer movements to make... — Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010
More…
In stock
Usually despatched within 1 working day
Contents
Peter Donohoe (piano), Martin Outram (viola), Laurence Jackson (violin), Michael Kaznowski (cello) Recorded: 18-20 December 2001 Recording Venue: Potton Hall, Suffolk, England Martin Outram (viola), Julian Rolton (piano) Recorded: 18-20 December 2001 Recording Venue: Potton Hall, Suffolk, England Nicholas Daniel (oboe) Maggini Quartet Recorded: 18-20 December 2001 Recording Venue: Potton Hall, Suffolk, England
2010
The Maggini Quartet and Peter Donohoe give a commanding performance of the Piano Quartet, locating an underlying toughness of argument and urgency of expression in both outer movements to make one regret all the more forcefully the budding composer's decision to withdraw the piece following his demobilisation in 1919.
Otherwise unrepresented in the domestic catalogue, the Viola Sonata was written in 1933 for Lionel Tertis. If Bliss's inspiration lacks the distinctive melodic profile and organic mastery of, say, Walton's Viola Concerto of four years previously, the work as a whole is still worth getting to know. The Maggini's violist, Martin Outram, makes commendably light of the solo part's at times hair-raising demands and Donohoe offers exemplary support.
But the jewel in this anthology is the Oboe Quintet that Bliss composed in 1927 for Leon Goossens. Elegance and resourcefulness are the watchwords in the first two movements, whose bitter-sweet lyricism forms an effective contrast with the exuberant festivities of the finale.
Nicholas Daniel and the Maggini give a spry, ideally proportioned reading. Production-values throughout are of a high order. Very warmly recommended.