Bax; Ireland Piano Concertos
An ebullient and invaluable disc for all devotees of Bax and Ireland
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Arnold (Edward Trevor) Bax, John (Nicholson) Ireland
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Somm Recordings
Magazine Review Date: 12/2009
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: SOMMCD 242
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Concertino for Piano and Orchestra |
Arnold (Edward Trevor) Bax, Composer
Arnold (Edward Trevor) Bax, Composer David Curtis, Conductor Mark Bebbington, Piano Orchestra of the Swan |
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra |
John (Nicholson) Ireland, Composer
David Curtis, Conductor John (Nicholson) Ireland, Composer Mark Bebbington, Piano Orchestra of the Swan |
Legend |
John (Nicholson) Ireland, Composer
David Curtis, Conductor John (Nicholson) Ireland, Composer Mark Bebbington, Piano Orchestra of the Swan |
Author: Peter Dickinson
The Ireland Concerto is inescapably associated with Eric Parkin, whose first recording was with Boult and the LSO in 1968. Surprisingly Bebbington takes a minute longer than Parkin for every movement in the Concerto as well as the eloquent Legend. There’s little impression of Bebbington dragging, although Boult cunningly moved things along from time to time. The rapt piano solos, such as the soloist’s entry in the slow movement, have the same mesmeric quality in both performances. This is vintage Ireland with a real melodic gift and harmonic textures that could come from no other composer.
The old Lyrita LP transferred well but Bebbington’s more modern sound is an asset. So is his total sympathy with the music, well supported by the Orchestra of the Swan. Ireland enthusiasts will rejoice.
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