Ashley Wass, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, James Judd - Bax, A.: Symphonic Variations / Concertante for Piano Left Hand (2009) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. I: Theme. Lento espressivo -
02. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. I: Variation 1, "Youth": Allegro: Restless and tumultuous -
03. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. I: Variation 2, "Nocturne": Slow and serene, Broadly -
04. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. I: Variation 3, "Strife": Allegro vivace
05. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. II: Variation 4, "the Temple": Slow and solemn -
06. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. II: Variation 5, "Play": Scherzo. Allegretto vivace-Intermezzo, "Enchantment": Very moderate tempo -
07. Symphonic Variations in E Major: Pt. II: Variation 6, "Triumph": Moderate tempo: Glowing and passionate
08. Concertante for Piano Left Hand: I. Allegro moderato
09. Concertante for Piano Left Hand: II. Moderato tranquillo
10. Concertante for Piano Left Hand: III. Rondo. Allegro moderato

Bax completed five works for piano and orchestra, beginning in 1916 with the highly virtuosic Symphonic Variations dedicated to the pianist Harriet Cohen. The work was likened by Rosa Newmarch, who wrote the programme note for the first performance, ‘to some great epic poem dealing with the adventures of a hero . . . Passing through a number of different experiences.’

The Concertante for Piano (Left Hand) and Orchestra (1949) is on a smaller scale. The romantic slow movement opens with a beautiful and haunting piano tune which gives way to a brooding atmospheric middle section, coloured by typical Baxian orchestral textures, like swirling mists in a nocturnal vision of some Irish coastal vista.

“The young pianist Ashley Wass play[s] impeccably – not only stylishly, but also with subtle, expressive shading and lovely liquid tone quality.” The Independent

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