John Bryden - Elgar: Piano Works, Vol. 1 (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Dream Children, Op. 43 (Version for Piano): I. Andante
02. Dream Children, Op. 43 (Version for Piano): II. Allegro piacevole
03. Griffinesque
04. Presto in G Major
05. Piano Sonatina in G Major: I. Andantino
06. Piano Sonatina in G Major: II. Allegro
07. 3 Characteristic Pieces, Op. 10: No. 1, Mazurka
08. 3 Characteristic Pieces, Op. 10: No. 2, Serenade mauresque
09. 3 Characteristic Pieces, Op. 10: No. 3, Contrasts The Gavotte
10. May Song
11. Carissima
12. Rosemary
13. Beau Brummel
14. 3 Pieces for Violin & Piano, Op. 4: No. 1, Idylle (Version for Piano)
15. In Smyrna
16. Skizze
17. 5 Piano Improvisations: No. 1, Grazioso (Transcr. for Piano by Iain Farrington)
18. Concert Allegro, Op. 46

It has been a great privilege to record the piano music of Elgar who so often confided his innermost thoughts to this instrument. I have just listened for the first time to the finished recording and I recommend to you all to sit and allow the sounds of a remarkable Bechstein of 1900, right in the centre of the composer’s life span, to take you on an irresistible journey through his inner musical life.

I have luxuriated in Elgar´s music since student days playing ´Sea Pictures ´ several times with a fine young singer, Anne Wilkins and singing unforgettably of course, under David Willcock´s baton in the Chapel of Kings College, Cambridge ´The Dream of Gerontius ´. Several visits to the Three Choirs Festival and to the composer´s simple birthplace, and life itself have all played their part in preparing my thoughts, emotions and fingers to feel at home within this relatively unknown but exceedingly gripping music. My remarkable musician/recording producer Agustin Maruri has worked ceaselessly not just in these intensive four days but in previous years to produce a highly refined and suitable recording technique and sound production. The results in this Recording offer over an hour’s captivating, enriching and emotional experience.

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