Classical Music on the Web
Charles Tomlinson Griffes' Poem may be better known in
its orchestral guise, but it also works quite well with piano accompaniment. This, one of
Griffes' last works written in 1919, is a beautiful song-like fantasy slightly redolent of
Debussy.
Walter Piston's beautifully proportioned, neo-classical Sonata of 1930 is a fine
example of this composer's well crafted music and a reminder of his studies with Nadia
Boulanger. Three short movements, never outstaying their welcome, make for a most
enjoyable, tuneful sonatina. Hamilton Harty's fantasy In Ireland was written in 1918 and
later scored for flute, harp and orchestra by the composer (recorded by Bryden Thomson for
Chandos some years ago). There also exists a quite effective arrangement for flute and
harp by Catherine Beynon (available on METIER MSV CD 92006). This is a delightful medley
on Irish tunes.
The Irish composer Ian Wilson has already made quite a name for himself with an
impressive, much varied output including a number of substantial works such as his organ
concerto Rich Harbour, his three piano trios and his three string quartets. Ian Wilson's
music often has some extra-musical background, literary or pictorial, e.g. Giacometti's
works in his Second String Quartet "The Capsizing Man and other stories" (1994).
The short piece for alto flute and piano Spilliaert's Beach, written in 1999 for Nancy
Ruffer, evokes the Belgian painter Léon Spilliaert whose painting Moonlit Beach of 1908
is, in its almost minimalist way, an impressive study in black-and-yellow contrasts.
Wilson's own brand of minimalism (in this work at least) perfectly matches Spilliaert's
economy of means. Very simple but highly effective, and a most welcome novelty.
I must confess that Peter Fribbins' name and music are new to me. His
Porphyria's Lover, dedicated to Nancy Ruffer, is a very fine fantasy in three short
sections: a more animated central section framed by slower ones. The composer mentions
that the piece is based on Browning's similarly titled poem, which - to be frank - does
not mean much to me, but this elegantly wrought substantial piece of music of this is
quite appealing.
Robert Beaser's Minimal Waltz is exactly that: a delightful trifle of great
charm playing for just over one minute. Lukas Foss's Three American Pieces are among his
earliest works, written in 1944 and 1945, and thus quite uncharacteristic of his later
style. These short sketches are unashamedly neo-classical in style, particularly the first
two pieces whereas the concluding Composer's Holiday is a quick moto perpetuo in pure
Americana with quotations of a familiar American song. Not a great work but quite
enjoyable.
This welcome, well-planned, much varied and beautifully played collection ends
with a quite effective arrangement of Cyril Scott's celebrated Lotus Land, originally
written for piano. No reservation whatsoever and heartily recommended.
Hubert
Culot
Classical Music on the Web 02.11.2001
British Fantasies American Dreams
Charles T GRIFFES 1884-1920 Poem arr George Barrere
Walter PISTON 1894-1976 Flute Sonata
Hamilton HARTY 1879-1941 In Ireland
Ian WILSON b 1964 Spilliaert’s Beach
Peter FRIBBINS b 1969 Porphyria’s Lover
Robert BEASER b 1954 Minimal Waltz
Lukas FOSS b 1922 Three American Pieces: Early Song;
Dedication; Composer’s Holiday
Cyril SCOTT 1879-1970 Lotus land arr Arthur
Ephross
Nancy Ruffer flute
Helen Crayford piano
Recorded Vestry Studios London February 2001
GUILD GMCD 7230 [69.19]
