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Sunday, December 24, 2017

Malcolm Arnold - Concertos for Pianos (Phillip Dyson; Kevin Sargent)


Information

Composer: Malcolm Arnold
  1. Overture: Beckus the Dandipratt, Op. 5
  2. Fantasy on a Theme of John Field, Op. 116
  3. Concerto for Two Pianos (Three Hands), Op. 104: I. Allegro moderato
  4. Concerto for Two Pianos (Three Hands), Op. 104: II. Andante con moto
  5. Concerto for Two Pianos (Three Hands), Op. 104: III. Allegro
  6. Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings, Op. 32: I. Allegro
  7. Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings, Op. 32: II. Larghetto
  8. Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings, Op. 32: III. Vivace

Phillip Dyson, piano
Kevin Sargent, piano
Ulster Orchestra
Esa Heikkilä, conductor

Date: 2007
Label: Naxos
https://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.570531

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Review

Dazzling performances from Ulster show us all Arnold’s contradictions

The three major concertante works here reflect in a moving way the strange contradictions in Arnold’s character, the mixture of lyrical warmth, popular inspiration and, in complete contrast, the darkness of Arnold’s deeply depressive side, which at times had him consigned to psychiatric hospitals.

The longest work is the Fantasy on a theme from one of John Field’s Nocturnes, a favourite work with Arnold’s mother. Field, like Arnold, was alcoholic and depressive, and that made him a sympathetic figure to Arnold when the composer was living in Dublin. In effect, it is a set of variations which for the most part are dark but which end with a lyrical Rachmaninov-like passage.

The Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings dates from 1951, a time of frenetic activity which in a very short while produced a whole sequence of works including several film scores but which also resulted in distressing treatment for his depression. The work brings busy and brilliant passagework for the soloists in the first movement, a still and intense passacaglia slow movement and a relentlessly high-spirited finale.

The Concerto for Two Pianos was written for Cyril Smith and Phyllis Sellick after Smith lost the use of his left hand, and represents Arnold’s lighter side, notably in the big tune of the central slow movement, first cousin to the great surging second subject theme in the Fifth Symphony. The work ends with a delightful rumba full of cross-rhythms.

The overture Beckus the Dandipratt is an exuberant comedy overture, with particularly brilliant writing for the brass – Arnold at the time was first trumpet in the LPO.

Phillip Dyson and Kevin Sargent are brilliant and alert piano soloists, with the young Finnish conductor Esa Heikkilä drawing dazzling playing from the Ulster Orchestra, vividly recorded.

-- Edward Greenfield, Gramophone

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Dec07/Arnold_two_pianos_8570531.htm
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2008/Jan08/Arnold_two_pianos_8570531.htm
http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/n/nxs70531a.php
https://www.naxos.com/reviews/reviewslist.asp?catalogueid=8.570531&languageid=EN
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arnold-Concerto-Pianos-Three-Hands/dp/B000VIFLYG

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Malcolm Arnold (21 October 1921 – 23 September 2006) was an English composer. He was ranked with Britten as one of the most sought-after composers in Britain. His output of works features music in many genres, including a cycle of nine symphonies, numerous concertos, concert works, chamber music, choral music and music for brass band and wind band. He wrote extensively for the theatre, with five ballets specially commissioned by the Royal Ballet, as well as two operas and a musical. He also produced scores for more than a hundred films, among these The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), for which he won an Oscar.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Arnold

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Born in Lancashire, Phillip Dyson studied at the Royal College of Music with Colin Horsley and John Lill, and also with William Lloyd Webber. Dyson is recognised as one of Britain’s most sought after and innovative concert pianists. He has gained enormous popularity for his unique abilities in both the classical and light music repertoire. His rapport with audiences, brilliant technique and innate sensitivity constantly win him the highest of praise. He often broadcasts on the BBC and Classic FM, performs regularly with leading orchestras and has a great international reputation in Europe and America.
https://www.naxos.com/person/Phillip_Dyson/38453.htm
http://www.phillipdyson.com/

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