Dive into the enchanting world of Stephen Dodgson's "Mirage," a captivating collection of piano works that showcase the composer's unique voice and imaginative prowess. Released on April 19, 2024, by SOMM Recordings, this album is the fourth installment in the label's series dedicated to Dodgson's music, following previous volumes of songs and choral works.
Spanning a total of 25 tracks and over an hour and twenty-three minutes, "Mirage" offers a diverse range of compositions that highlight Dodgson's ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotion through his music. The album opens with the charming "8 Fanciful Pieces," a set of early works that immediately draw the listener in with their playful and whimsical character. Each piece tells a story, from the gentle flow of "A Leaf in the River" to the dramatic intensity of "Crazy Kate" and the ethereal beauty of the titular "Mirage."
The album continues with "4 Moods of the Wind," a series of pieces that capture the ever-changing nature of the wind, from the serene "Molto moderato" to the turbulent "Agitato." Dodgson's "3 Impromptus" provide a moment of spontaneity and improvisation, while the "Piano Sonata No. 7 'The Loddon'" offers a more structured and expansive exploration of the composer's musical language.
The "6 Bagatelles (Set 2)" showcase Dodgson's wit and inventiveness, with each piece offering a distinct mood and character, from the expressive "Highly Expressive but Gentle" to the playful "Cryptic and Playful." The album concludes with the lively and sparkling "Rondo in A-Flat Major," leaving the listener with a sense of joy and exhilaration.
Performed with skill and sensitivity by Osman Tack, "Mirage" is a testament to the enduring appeal of Stephen Dodgson's music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to delight and inspire. So sit back, press play, and let the enchanting sounds of "Mirage" transport you to a world of musical wonder.
2024 SOMM Recordings2024 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 1, A Leaf in the RiverStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 2, Shrovetide ProcessionStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 3, Il ZoppoStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 4, The Storm Comes and PassesStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 5, Crazy KateStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 6, MirageStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 7, DancersStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
8 Fanciful Pieces: No. 8, When All Is QuietStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
4 Moods of the Wind: No. 1, Molto moderatoStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
4 Moods of the Wind: No. 2, AgitatoStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
4 Moods of the Wind: No. 3, Flessibile e drammaticoStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
4 Moods of the Wind: No. 4, Poco allegroStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
3 Impromptus: No. 1, AllegroStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
3 Impromptus: No. 2, Andante sempliceStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
3 Impromptus: No. 3, AllegrettoStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
Piano Sonata No. 7 "The Loddon": I. Allegro moderatoStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
Piano Sonata No. 7 "The Loddon": II. Poco adagioStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
Piano Sonata No. 7 "The Loddon": III. Allegro vivaceStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
6 Bagatelles (Set 2): No. 1, Highly Expressive but GentleStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
6 Bagatelles (Set 2): No. 2, Lazy Pace. Undulating and SongfulStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
6 Bagatelles (Set 2): No. 3, Cryptic and PlayfulStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
6 Bagatelles (Set 2): No. 4, Erratic in Motion. MelodramaticStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
6 Bagatelles (Set 2): No. 5, Hollow and StealthyStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
6 Bagatelles (Set 2): No. 6, Moto perpetuo. Airy and SparklingStephen Dodgson, Osman Tack
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