The Romantic Piano Concerto 54 - Somervell & Cowen - Hyperion: CDA67837 - CD or download

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Beyond his customary grace and lucid phrasing, Martin Roscoe dispatches the often taxing writing with stylish élan, while the indefatigible Martyn Brabbins once again leads the wonderful (and... — Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011 More…

Release Date: 30th Aug 2011
Catalogue No: CDA67837
Label: Hyperion
Series: The Romantic Piano Concerto
Length: 68 minutes

Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days

Cowen: Concertstück

Work length19:52

$1.10

$1.50

Martin Roscoe (piano)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins

Somervell: Normandy 'Symphonic Variations'

Work length20:55

$1.10

$1.50

Martin Roscoe (piano)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins

Somervell: Piano Concerto in A minor 'Highland'

Work length27:14

$3.30

$4.50

Martin Roscoe (piano)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins

I. Allegro moderato

Track length11:58

$1.10

$1.50

II. Adagio

Track length8:11

$1.10

$1.50

III. Allegro

Track length7:05

$1.10

$1.50

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The three world premiere recordings featured here comprise the complete works for piano and orchestra by both composers (an early student concerto by Cowen appears lost).

In his day Cowen was a hugely successful contemporary of Stanford and Parry and it is surprising that his music has not yet been revived on disc. The Concertstück was written in 1897 for Padereswki, who gave the premiere to much acclaim. The work is notable for its orchestral colour and a great understanding of virtuoso piano writing and reveals what a master of his art the composer was.

Sir Arthur Somervell is best known for his songs and he wrote comparatively little orchestral music. The ‘Normandy’ symphonic variations were premiered in 1913 by the great scholar and pianist Donald Francis Tovey who did much to champion them.

The ‘Highland’ concerto is a late work (dating from 1921) which was never published and has consequently been almost forgotten. It was written for, and premiered by, the Scottish pianist Jessie Munro and is an uncomplicated and enjoyable romp based on Scottish-sounding themes which are nevertheless original Somervell. It may not be profound music but once heard, will certainly never be forgotten.

Martin Roscoe and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are on scintillating form throughout. An entertaining addition to the renowned Romantic Piano Concerto catalogue.

Reviews

Awards Issue 2011

Beyond his customary grace and lucid phrasing, Martin Roscoe dispatches the often taxing writing with stylish élan, while the indefatigible Martyn Brabbins once again leads the wonderful (and underrated) BBC Scottish players in three world premiere recordings that sound as if they've been a much-loved part of their repertoire for years

25th August 2011

Martin Roscoe does an impressive job with the fistfuls of notes.

The Romantic Piano Concerto 54 - Somervell & Cowen

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