Click cover to download on iTunes or stream on Apple Music
Lyrita Records's album, releasing on 1 March 2024, gives long-deserved attention to three prolific but neglected British composers: Dorothy Howell (1898-1982), Pamela Harrison (1915-90) and Madeleine Dring (1923-77). Working in the same country at the same time, these composers had much in common. All studied at London's Royal Academy or Royal College of Music, and had dual careers as composer-performers. They wrote tonal music in a style that would fall out of fashion in the later twentieth century: this contributed to their disappearance from concert halls. And above all, they composed with a great sense of humour. The music on this disc sparkles with wit and energy.
In the mid-twentieth century the two piano combination was popular in the concert hall and for light entertainment. It proved a perfect medium for composers seeking to bring lightness of touch to their work, allowing them to write pieces that were fun to play and to watch.
In the mid-twentieth century the two piano combination was popular in the concert hall and for light entertainment. It proved a perfect medium for composers seeking to bring lightness of touch to their work, allowing them to write pieces that were fun to play and to watch.
'Callaghan and Takenouchi play with wonderful elan and relish, clearing enjoying the sound-worlds and having a great deal of fun. And they must be thanked for digging up these treasures.'
Planet Hugill, 6 March 2024
Planet Hugill, 6 March 2024
'This recording of three women composers’ music for two pianos is inspirational in its effect.'
Maureen Buja, Interlude, 25 March 2024
Maureen Buja, Interlude, 25 March 2024
Hiroaki Takenouchi & Simon Callaghan
Simon Callaghan
'A musician of curiosity and discernment, Callaghan’s robust piano-playing is also thoughtful, subtle and refined.' (Gramophone) Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, in parallel with his career as a recording artist. Callaghan’s repertoire includes over fifty concertos including standard solo and chamber works of the 19th and 20th centuries, and much that is rare and unexplored.
Hiroaki Takenouchi
Heralded by The Times as 'just the sort of champion the newest of new music needs', and praised as 'impeccable in his pianism and unfailing in his idiomatic grasp' by Gramophone, Takenouchi’s curiosity and a natural penchant for integrity makes his playing and his vast repertoire unique. His love for the classical masters – particularly Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin – is equalled by his passion for the music of Medtner, lesser-known British composers and contemporary music.
'A musician of curiosity and discernment, Callaghan’s robust piano-playing is also thoughtful, subtle and refined.' (Gramophone) Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, in parallel with his career as a recording artist. Callaghan’s repertoire includes over fifty concertos including standard solo and chamber works of the 19th and 20th centuries, and much that is rare and unexplored.
Hiroaki Takenouchi
Heralded by The Times as 'just the sort of champion the newest of new music needs', and praised as 'impeccable in his pianism and unfailing in his idiomatic grasp' by Gramophone, Takenouchi’s curiosity and a natural penchant for integrity makes his playing and his vast repertoire unique. His love for the classical masters – particularly Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin – is equalled by his passion for the music of Medtner, lesser-known British composers and contemporary music.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES OR STREAM ON APPLE MUSIC
Electronic press kit available from Ulysses Arts.
Electronic press kit available from Ulysses Arts.