Simon Callaghan - Dring, Harrison & Howell: Danza Gaya - Music for Two Pianos - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The story of Elias Parish Alvars (1808-49) is a journey from obscurity, ascending to something of an international celebrity. He was dubbed 'the Franz Liszt of the harp' by none other than Hector Berlioz (1803-69), who was repeatedly spellbound by concerts Alvars gave in Germany. This sorcerer of the harp (and equally phenomenal pianist) received patronage from the aristocracy and royalty of Europe throughout his short-lived career. A favorite artist at the internationally-renowned Husum Festival of Piano Rarities in Germany, Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan's recent sell-out recital drew praise from audience and critics, with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describing his Inchcleverly curated recital full of discoveriesInch (VAN Magazine) as Inchtechnically brilliantInch. Callaghan's current repertoire includes over fifty concertos, highlights of the standard solo and chamber works of the 19th and 20th centuries, and much that is rare and unexplored. One cornerstone of Callaghan's work is his commitment to British music, and he has recently begun a projected series with Lyrita, presenting world premiere recordings of British concertos with Martyn Brabbins and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Irish pianist Clíodna Shanahan is much in demand internationally as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. She performs regularly with London Sinfonietta, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Her great passion for 20th century and contemporary music has led to many composer-collaborations, world premières and first recordings.

Bay Area pianist Debbie Poryes and New York-based multi-woodwind player Bruce Williamson bring uncommon flexibility to their interpretations of iconic bebop and post bop tunes, American songbook standards and original compositions. Adventurous and spontaneous, at turns moody and jubilant, with many varieties of grooves - even with this unpredictability, the arrangements are clear & coherent and listeners will be immediately charmed as they enter the sonic world of these two exceptional artists. InchPoryes' approach to arranging involves sophistication with warmth and open-ended possibilities. As a result, American songbook gems sound fresh and invigorating...Inch - All About Jazz.

The music on this album dates from the composer's later years, and are largely based on themes from his earlier successes. The inspiration for Holbrooke's music was almost always literary; hence, the large number of symphonic poems and pieces with literary titles or subtitles in his work list. Almost all the 8 Nocturnes, Op. 121 employ material from some of Holbrooke's most successful and popular earlier works. The music critic Ernest Newman, in an often quoted appreciation of the composer written in 1902, wrote that Inch... Holbrooke can do quite easily and unconsciously what [Richard] Strauss has only done half a dozen times in his career - he can write a big, heartfelt melody that searches us to the very bone... Inch, and these Nocturnes display Josef's gift for lyricism. The two Fantasie-Sonatas, Opp. 124 & 128 respectively, are important and substantial works from Holbrooke's later years. The first is closely based on the opening movement of the Dramatic Choral Symphony 'Homage to E.A. Poe', Op. 48 (1902-1907), but skilfully adapted for pianistic effectiveness. The second Fantasie-Sonata, 'Destiny', does not recycle earlier material it is an entirely original composition of two movements. Based on the slow movement of the fine Horn Trio, Op. 28 (1902), Cambrian Ballade No. 4 Op. 104 Maentrog commences in the lilting character of a berceuse. A more animated central section leads to an ardent reprise of the opening theme and a coda like a sudden shower of rain. It is tempting to think that in this composition the composer looked back wistfully to a period when his creative fires burned brightly and his talents were recognized by the musical world. [Gareth Vaughan]