Composer: Arthur Bliss
Performer: Peter Donohoe, Martin Roscoe
Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Conductor: David Lloyd-Jones
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Naxos
Catalogue: 8557146
Release: 2004
Size: 267 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Piano Concerto in B flat major
01. Allegro con brio
02. Adagietto
03. Andante maestoso – Molto vivo
Piano Sonata
04. Moderato marcato
05. Adagio sereno
06. Allegro
Concerto for Two Pianos
07. Allegro giusto – Larghetto tranquillo – Vivo
Arthur Bliss was one of the generation of English modernists who came of age in the shadow of Elgar and the Great War. In his time, Bliss was the last word in driving rhythms, gleaming colors, and dazzling virtuosity, but his time passed and these days Bliss enjoys a reputation south of Arnold and north of Brian in the Pleiades of English modernists.
This brilliant recording should help restore Bliss’ reputation. The Piano Concerto is a grand work in the best virtuoso tradition, the Piano Sonata is a tough and sinewy work, and the Concerto for Two Pianos is a lighter and more lyrical work that pianist Peter Donohoe plays with precision and panache. Donohoe is one of the best English pianists of his generation and a compelling advocate of Bliss’ music, turning in a bravura Concerto, a muscular Sonata, and a captivating two-piano Concerto with second pianist Martin Roscoe. David Lloyd-Jones leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in performances that are strong in themselves, yet wholly integrated with the soloist’s conception of the works. Naxos’ sound is crisp and vivid.