Stephen Dodgson's "Mirage" is a captivating collection of piano works that showcases the composer's unique voice and imaginative prowess. Released on April 19, 2024, by SOMM Recordings, this album spans a little over an hour and twenty minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, including the enchanting "8 Fanciful Pieces," the evocative "4 Moods of the Wind," the introspective "3 Impromptus," the substantial "Piano Sonata No. 7 'The Loddon'," and the playful "6 Bagatelles (Set 2)." Each piece is meticulously crafted, demonstrating Dodgson's mastery of form, melody, and harmony. The album concludes with the lively "Rondo in A-Flat Major," leaving the listener with a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Stephen Dodgson, born in 1924, was a British composer whose works are characterized by their lyrical beauty, rhythmic vitality, and structural ingenuity. "Mirage" is performed by pianist Osman Tack, who brings a nuanced and expressive interpretation to Dodgson's music. Tack's playing is both technically assured and emotionally resonant, making this album a compelling introduction to Dodgson's piano repertoire.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Dodgson's music or a newcomer to his work, "Mirage" offers a rewarding listening experience. The album's varied program and high-quality performances make it a standout release in the world of classical piano music.
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