Composer: Bernard Hughes
Performer: Matthew Mills
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Divine Art
Catalogue: DDX21107
Release: 2023
Size: 973 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Song of the Walnut
Partita Contrafacta
02. I. Boogie-Woogie instead of a Prelude (after L. Couperin)
03. II. Tango instead of an Allemande (after J.S. Bach)
04. III. Landler instead of a Courante (after H. Purcell)
05. IV. Bolero instead of a Sarabande (after E. Jacquet de la Guerre)
06. V. Halling instead of a Gavotte (after J-P Rameau)
07. VI. Mazurka instead of a Minuet (after G.F. Handel)
08. VII. Tarantella instead of a Gigue (After F. Couperin)
09. Song of the Button
Bagatelles
10. I. Study for dexterity in alternating between the hands
11. II.
12. III.
13. IV. Footprints
14. V. Study for accuracy in the playing of double octaves
15. VI. If Eros laughs
16. VII. Bog-Face
17. VIII. 26th April 1827, morning
18. IX. Study for evenness in executing scale passages
19. X. Grazioso
20. XI.
21. XII. Nocturne
Miniatures
22. I. Melody
23. II. Danny’s Dance
24. III. Simple Canon
25. IV. Walse
26. V. Dialogue
27. VI. Tuesday’s Tune
28. VII. Cat’s Cradle
29. VIII. Bist du
30. IX. Molly’s Tune
31. X. Fughetta
32. XI. Anacharsis Cloots
Studies
33. I. Count me out
34. II. The Cornice Fish Passacaglia
35. III. False Alarm
36. O du Liebe meiner Liebe
37. Strettos and Striations
38. Cradle Song
Experience the complete works of composer Bernard Hughes for solo piano in this exceptional collaboration with pianist Matthew Mills. This eclectic collection covers over 25 years of music, featuring a range of styles and moods that are sure to captivate. From the oldest piece dating back to Hughes’ student years at Oxford to a brand new suite transforming Baroque dance forms into something surprising and new, this album is a masterpiece of composition and performance. With pieces ranging from the largescale Strettos and Striations to little occasional pieces written for the composer’s children, there is something for everyone on this album. What truly makes this album special is the collaboration between Hughes and Mills. The two musicians have been working together for many years, resulting in a deep understanding of each other’s artistic vision and an unparalleled ability to bring Hughes’ compositions to life on the piano. Mills himself is an accomplished composer, founder and owner of publishing company Wild Woods Music, and was appointed Composer-in-Residence at St. Paul’s School after receiving his Ph.D in composition from Royal Holloway College. Hughes’ music has been widely performed and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and across Europe. His latest commission, Birdchant, was chosen to receive its premiere by the BBC Singers at the 2021 Proms. He has composed operas, choral and vocal works, as well as piano music, to great acclaim.