This superbly presented disc of piano music by E. J. Moeran is a most welcome addition to The Gramophone Classical Catalogue, for although this repertoire has made at least two appearances in the lists over the years (Iris Loveridge made a mono recording of some of the piano pieces for Lyrita, 5/60 – nla, and that was followed ten years later with a stereo version by Eric Parkin for the same company, 10/72 – nla), this is the first time all the piano music has been brought together on one disc.
The frequently held view that Moeran was at his best as a miniaturist has always struck me as a rather sweeping statement considering the stature of the Symphony in G minor, the Sinfonietta or the gorgeous Violin Concerto. However, when confronted with a disc of consistently delightful, small-scale gems as here, one can certainly understand why that view has persisted.
Devotees of the composer will need no encouragement from me to explore this disc, but for those unfamiliar with his music this recording would make a superb introduction, because contained in these 18 pieces are all the elements that make up Moeran’s highly individual style. In the two most well-known pieces, Stalham River and the Toccata, Moeran can be heard drawing inspiration from his beloved Norfolk landscape, whilst his abiding passion for the south-west coast of Ireland can be heard in Irish Love Song, The White Mountain and at times in the Theme and Variations of 1920 – his most substantial work for the piano.
As one would expect, Eric Parkin plays this repertoire with authority and affection and the piano sound is very natural. Strongly recommended.'