John Turner, a renowned recorder player, presents his latest album "A Few More Surprises," a captivating journey through the world of chamber music. Released on July 11, 2025, under ASC Records, this album is a testament to Turner's virtuosity and his ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary pieces.
Spanning a diverse range of compositions, "A Few More Surprises" features works by various composers, from the elegiac "Elegy for Tony" by Hedges to the playful "Cassoulet Rag" by Hendrie. The album is a delightful blend of styles and periods, showcasing the recorder's versatility and Turner's technical prowess. Collaborating with pianist Stephen Bettaney and soprano Lesley-Jane Rogers, Turner delivers a performance that is both intimate and expansive, highlighting the recorder's expressive capabilities.
The album's 27 tracks offer a rich tapestry of sounds, from the delicate and introspective to the lively and energetic. Highlights include the evocative "The Mulberry Road" by Blake, the whimsical "Tales of a Small Flute" by Kaprálová, and the intricate "Variations on Bobby Shafto" by Stevens. Turner's interpretations are nuanced and expressive, bringing out the unique character of each piece.
"A Few More Surprises" is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of the recorder's rich heritage and its continued relevance in contemporary music. Turner's mastery of the instrument shines through in every note, making this album a must-listen for both classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the world of chamber music, this album promises a rewarding and engaging experience.
Tracks
Hedges: Elegy for Tony, Op. 167, for recorder and pianoAnthony Hedges, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Ferguson: Three Sketches, Op. 14, for recorder and piano I. Poco AllegroHoward Ferguson, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Ferguson: Three Sketches, Op. 14, for recorder and piano II. AndanteHoward Ferguson, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Ferguson: Three Sketches, Op. 14, for recorder and piano III. Con Moto (Based on a Hindu melody - Cuckoos sing in the Mango Tree)Howard Ferguson, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Stevens: Variations on Bobby Shafto, for recorder and pianoRobin Stevens, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Blake: The Mulberry Road, for soprano and recorderDavid Blake, John Turner, Lesley-Jane Rogers
Banfield: Capriccio, for recorder and pianoStephen Banfield, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Steele: High Noon, for recorder and pianoDouglas Steele, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Steele: Hark Shepherds Awake, for soprano and recorderDouglas Steele, John Turner, Lesley-Jane Rogers
Steele: Serenade, for recorder and pianoDouglas Steele, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Stanley: Sonata in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, for recorder and piano I. AdagioJohn Stanley, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Stanley: Sonata in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, for recorder and piano II. AllegroJohn Stanley, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Stanley: Sonata in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, for recorder and piano III. GiggJohn Stanley, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Banfield: Three Miniatures, for descant recorder and piano I. Moderato-piacevoleStephen Banfield, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Banfield: Three Miniatures, for descant recorder and piano II. LentoStephen Banfield, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Banfield: Three Miniatures, for descant recorder and piano III. Allegro VivaceStephen Banfield, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Dickinson: Homage to Poulenc, for recorder and pianoPeter Dickinson, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Dickinson: Air, for solo recorderPeter Dickinson, John Turner
Golland: Caprice for solo recorder, Op. 76John Golland, John Turner
Seiber: Pastorale, for recorder and pianoMatyas Seiber, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Rogers: Deux Bouches, a Vocalise for soprano and recorderLesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner
Kaprálová: Tales of a Small Flute (Povídky Malé Flétny) for recorder and piano I. Volně (Andante)Vitezslava Kaprálová, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Kaprálová: Tales of a Small Flute (Povídky Malé Flétny) for recorder and piano II. Rychle (Allegro)Vitezslava Kaprálová, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Paddison: After Orpheus, for recorder and pianoMax Paddison, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Baron: Picnic, for recorder and pianoMichael Baron, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Hendrie: Cassoulet Rag, for recorder and pianoGerald Hendrie, John Turner, Stephen Bettaney
Turner: Wedding Notes, for solo recorderJohn Turner
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