Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Joseph Holbrooke's piano concertos with this remarkable album, released in 2000 by Hyperion. Comprising 25 tracks, this collection showcases the intricate and evocative compositions of Holbrooke, an English composer, conductor, and pianist who left an indelible mark on the romantic era of classical music.
The album opens with Holbrooke's Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52, also known as "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd." This multi-movement concerto is a tour de force, blending mythical themes with Holbrooke's signature romantic style. Each section of the concerto tells a story, from the majestic "Open the Gates of Mirrored Horn!" to the haunting "No Spectre of Them Will Answer My Call," and the triumphant "She Was the Most Splendid Maiden."
Following this monumental work, the album presents Holbrooke's Piano Concerto in D Minor, a piece that exemplifies his ability to convey deep emotion and drama through his music. The concerto's three movements—Maestoso e moderato, Andante, and Finale. Vivace—offer a rich tapestry of musical expression.
Performed by the talented pianist Hamish Milne and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Martyn Brabbins, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Holbrooke's compositions. With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, it is a substantial and rewarding listen for any classical music enthusiast.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Joseph Holbrooke or a newcomer to his work, this album provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of his piano concertos. The intricate interplay between the piano and orchestra, the rich harmonic language, and the evocative storytelling make this a standout addition to any classical music collection.
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ia. Maestoso, Allegro. Open the Gates of Mirrored Horn!Joseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ib. Animato. Ye Guards of My Hold Whom Wanderers FearJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ic. A tempo. Harness a Steed from the Gnomes Dark FieldsJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Id. A tempo. Vapour of Night Be Thou My ShieldJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ie. Swift Through the Dell Where the Young Bats WakeJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": If. A tempo. The Armies of Night Are AbroadJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ig. Tempo primo. Here Lies the Field That Was Laid to Our HandJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ih. Deep in the Mould Lies the Golden Helmed AllJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": Ii. Più mosso al fine. No Spectre of Them Will Answer My CallJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIa. Poco adagio con sentimento. Faint as the Faith of Our People Long DyingJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIb. Tempo poco Allegretto, poco scherzando. Clotted of Shadows He Comes to My HestJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIc. Tempo I. Daughter of LearJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IId. O God of Our Torment Lean Down and Decide That We Shall Never Meet AgainJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIa. Allegro, molto fuoco. Blade That Meets Blade with Never a SoundJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIb. Face Me Afresh Though the Night Hour FailsJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIc. Tempo poco Larghetto. Back to Your GraveJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIId. Tempo primo. Break Back from the BattleJoseph Holbrooke, Hamish Milne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIe. Away from This Land, Fairy Folk AllJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIf. Poco lento. Flit Ye Away While the Shadows Mate Branch and Blest Earth_Joseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIg. L'istesso tempo, Doppio. For Scorn Follows Fast on the Fairy Kings Fate_Joseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIh. CadenzaJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 "The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd": IIIi. Grandioso – brillante. She Was the Most Splendid MaidenJoseph Holbrooke, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto in D Minor: I. Maestoso e moderato – Tranquillo – Cadenza – AllegroHaydn Wood, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto in D Minor: II. AndanteHaydn Wood, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
Piano Concerto in D Minor: III. Finale. VivaceHaydn Wood, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hamish Milne, Martyn Brabbins
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