Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Joseph Holbrooke with this remarkable album, released on February 1, 2000, by Hyperion. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this collection showcases Holbrooke's extraordinary talent and his unique contribution to the piano concerto genre.
The album features two distinct piano concertos, each offering a rich tapestry of musical expression. The first, "Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 52 'The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd'," is a multi-movement work that draws inspiration from Welsh mythology. Each section of this concerto is meticulously crafted, with titles that evoke vivid imagery and storytelling, such as "Open the Gates of Mirrored Horn!" and "Ye Guards of My Hold Whom Wanderers Fear." Holbrooke's compositional prowess shines through in the intricate interplay between the piano and orchestra, creating a dramatic and evocative listening experience.
The second concerto, "Piano Concerto in D Minor," presents a stark contrast to the first. With its classical structure and elegant melodies, it showcases Holbrooke's versatility and mastery of the concerto form. The three movements—"Maestoso e moderato – Tranquillo – Cadenza – Allegro," "Andante," and "Finale. Vivace"—offer a journey through a range of emotions, from serene introspection to exhilarating energy.
Joseph Holbrooke's compositions are brought to life with virtuosity and sensitivity by the performing artists, making this album a testament to the enduring power of his music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Holbrooke's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album promises a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
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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