Artwork: Simon Joplin

Images and Impressions

Isabel Chaplais and Karis Stretton

Two young British pianists in a fascinating CD of twentieth century and contemporary piano music.

Cat. Number: 020011013 Year of issue: 2008
Duration: 56:44 No. of tracks: 24
Recording date: 6th & 13th of January 2008 Recorded at: The Weston Auditorium, Hatfield

Overview

These two young women pianists, both finalists in the .British Contemporary Piano Competition have assembled a fascinating CD of twentieth century and contemporary piano music. Oldest composer by far is Henri Dutilleux (b.1916) who is represented by three of his Préludes. Youngest is Gabriel Jackson (b.1962) who has four short evocative pieces included. Chronologically sandwiched between these two are four composers: Cornelius Cardew (1936 – 1981), Howard Skempton (b.1947), Dave Smith (b.1949) and Oliver Knussen (b.1952).

What is created is an eclectic paean of piano music which demonstrates both great technical prowess and immense tone and colour variation. In this is presented a catalogue of post-romantic pianistic style, with a variety and range of expression which is, if nothing else, educational! In fact it is far more than that. It is a minor compendium of compositional styles ranging from elaborate post-romanticism through to austere minimalism. Quite a journey but one which is well worthwhile!

Track Listing:

Track Title Duration Composer
1 The Croppy Boy 2.03 Cornelius Cardew
2 Father Murphy 3.12 Cornelius Cardew
3 Carillon: In Dulci Jubilo 1.33 Gabriel Jackson
4 Anniversary Duet 1.28 Gabriel Jackson
5 Reflections: I. 1.15 Howard Skempton
6 Reflections: II.
 1.11 Howard Skempton
7 Reflections: III.
 1.27 Howard Skempton
8 Reflections: IV.
 2.05 Howard Skempton
9 Reflections: V.
 1.36 Howard Skempton
10 Reflections: VI.
 1.11 Howard Skempton
11 Reflections: VII.
 1.17 Howard Skempton
12 Reflections: VIII.
 1.40 Howard Skempton
13 Reflections: IX.
 0.55 Howard Skempton
14 Reflections: X.
 0.33 Howard Skempton
15 Reflections: XI.
 1.03 Howard Skempton
16 Préludes: I. D’Ombre et de Silence 4.07 Henri Dutilleux
17 Préludes: II. Sur un même accord 3.37 Henri Dutilleux
18 Préludes: III. Le Jeu des Contraires 6.56 Henri Dutilleux
19 Sonya's Lullaby 6.18 Oliver Knussen
20 Variations 6.54 Oliver Knussen
21 Rameau Remembered 2.54 Gabriel Jackson
22 Forty Bells for Laurence Crane 1.09 Gabriel Jackson
23 October Chorale 1.13 Dave Smith
24 Hollander Air 1.07 Dave Smith

Album Contributors:

Executive Producer - Howard Burrell
Producer - Howard Burrell
Chief Engineer - Daniel Halford
Engineers - Adrian Walker, Will Taitt, James Steen, Lewis Mortimer
Design - Dominic Halford
Artwork - Simon Joplin
Administration - UHArts