Edward Cowie's "24 Preludes for Piano" is a captivating journey through the elements, each prelude evoking the essence of water, air, earth, and fire. Composed in 2008 and re-released in 2022, this album is a testament to Cowie's ability to translate natural phenomena into musical language. The preludes are performed by Philip Mead, who brings a nuanced and expressive touch to each piece.
The album is divided into four books, each corresponding to one of the four elements. Book 1, "Water," opens with "O Brook," a serene and flowing piece inspired by a Devon brook, and includes preludes like "Kiama Blowhole" and "Tennessee River." Book 2, "Air," features pieces like "Boscastle," capturing the essence of a Cornish storm, and "35,000 Feet," evoking the sensation of flight. Book 3, "Earth," includes preludes such as "Ularu," inspired by the iconic Australian landmark, and "Glencoe," capturing the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Book 4, "Fire," concludes the album with pieces like "Bush Fires" and "Sunset," exploring the raw power and warmth of fire.
Each prelude is a miniature masterpiece, offering a glimpse into Cowie's unique musical vision. The album is a celebration of nature's beauty and power, as seen through the eyes of a composer who is deeply connected to the natural world. With a duration of 70 minutes, "24 Preludes for Piano" is a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases Edward Cowie's exceptional talent and creativity.
(C) 2022 Metier(P) 2022 Metier
Tracks
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 1 "Water": No. 1, O BrookEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 1 "Water": No. 2, Kiama BlowholeEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 1 "Water": No. 3, CancleveEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 1 "Water": No. 4, River DronneEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 1 "Water": No. 5, St Maxime BeachEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 1 "Water": No. 6, Tennessee RiverEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 2 "Air": No. 1, BoscastleEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 2 "Air": No. 2, Hay Plains TwistersEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 2 "Air": No. 3, 35,000 FeetEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 2 "Air": No. 4, TapadaEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 2 "Air": No. 5, Lake EachamEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 2 "Air": No. 6, Dartington GardensEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 3 "Earth": No. 1, UlaruEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 3 "Earth": No. 2, Crackington HavenEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 3 "Earth": No. 3, RosedaleEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 3 "Earth": No. 4, GlencoeEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 3 "Earth": No. 5, Brecon BeaconsEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 3 "Earth": No. 6, Shenandoah ValleyEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 4 "Fire": No. 1, SunriseEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 4 "Fire": No. 2, Bush FiresEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 4 "Fire": No. 3, Home FireEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 4 "Fire": No. 4, Blast Furnaces at Port Kembla Steel WorksEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 4 "Fire": No. 5, New Year FireworksEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
24 Preludes for Solo Piano, Book 4 "Fire": No. 6, SunsetEdward Cowie, Philip Mead
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