York Bowen's "Piano Concerto Nos 2 & 3" is a captivating journey through the romantic and expressive world of early 20th-century classical music. This album, released on January 1, 2007, under the Dutton label, showcases Bowen's mastery of chamber music, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album features two complete piano concertos: the Piano Concerto No. 2 ('Concertstück') in D Minor, Op. 17, and the Piano Concerto No. 3 ('Fantasia') in G Minor, Op. 23. Each concerto is a multi-movement work, blending intricate piano solos with orchestral accompaniment. Bowen's compositions are known for their lyrical melodies, harmonic richness, and technical virtuosity, all of which are on full display in these concertos.
In addition to the concertos, the album includes the Symphonic Fantasia: a tone poem, Op. 16. This six-movement work is a symphonic journey in itself, offering a variety of moods and themes that highlight Bowen's compositional versatility.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding exploration of York Bowen's musical genius. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to discover the beauty of early 20th-century compositions, this album is sure to delight and inspire.