York Bowen's "Works for Piano" is a captivating journey through the composer's extensive piano repertoire, showcasing his remarkable versatility and mastery of the instrument. Released on Chandos in 2005, this two-and-a-half-hour collection offers a comprehensive exploration of Bowen's compositions, from sonatas and preludes to nocturnes and bagatelles.
The album opens with Bowen's Sonata No. 6, Op. 160, a three-movement work that exemplifies the composer's ability to blend classical forms with a distinctly modern sensibility. The 24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102, provide a fascinating survey of Bowen's harmonic language, each prelude offering a unique emotional landscape and technical challenge.
Throughout the album, Bowen's lyrical gifts are on full display, particularly in pieces like the Rêverie, Op. 86, and the Nocturne, Op. 78. His ability to craft memorable melodies is equally evident in the Three Songs without Words, Op. 94, which are imbued with a song-like quality that belies their instrumental origins.
The album also features several shorter works, including the charming Siciliano and Toccatina, Op. 128, and the evocative Ripples (A Short Sketch), Op. 100 No. 1. These pieces showcase Bowen's knack for creating compelling musical narratives in a concise format.
York Bowen's "Works for Piano" is a testament to the composer's enduring appeal and his significant contributions to the piano repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned Bowen enthusiast or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the composer's unique voice and enduring legacy.
Tracks
Sonata No. 6, Op. 160: I. Moderato e serioso - Allegro risoluto e con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Sonata No. 6, Op. 160: II. Intermezzo. Poco lento e tranquilloYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Sonata No. 6, Op. 160: III. Finale alla toccata. Allegro molto e con spiritoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 1 in C Major. Moderato appassionatoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 2 in C Minor. Andante tranquilloYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 3 in D-Flat Major. Andante graziosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 4 in C-Sharp Minor. Allegro con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 5 in D Major. Allegro risolutoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 6 in D Minor. Andante con motoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 7 in E-Flat Major. Andante amabileYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 8 in E-Flat Minor. Poco lento, seriosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 9 in E Major. Allegro risoluto e ritmicoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 10 in E Minor. Moderato, a capriccioYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 11 in F Major. Andante con moto e graziosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 12 in F Minor. Allegro con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 13 in G-Flat Major. Andante tranquilloYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 14 in F-Sharp Minor. Allegretto scherzandoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 15 in G Major. Allegretto graziosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 16 in G Minor. Moderato sempliceYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 17 in A-Flat Major. Andante molto espressivoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 18 in G-Sharp Minor. Allegro con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 19 in A Major. Andantino con motoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 20 in A Minor. Allegro con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 21 in B-Flat Major. Andante piacevoleYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 22 in B-Flat Minor. Allegro molto e con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 23 in B Major. Andante con motoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
24 Preludes in all Major and Minor Keys, Op. 102: Prelude No. 24 in B Minor. Moderato serioso e tragicoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Rêverie, Op. 86York Bowen, Joop Celis
Piano Sonata No. 5 in F Minor, Op. 72: I. Moderato - Allegro moderato - Meno mossoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Piano Sonata No. 5 in F Minor, Op. 72: II. Andante sempliceYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Piano Sonata No. 5 in F Minor, Op. 72: III. Finale. Allegro con fuoco - Poco sostenutoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Nocturne, Op. 78York Bowen, Joop Celis
Ripples (A Short Sketch), Op. 100 No. 1York Bowen, Joop Celis
Two Preludes, Op. 100: No. 1 in G Minor. Andante sostenutoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Two Preludes, Op. 100: No. 2 in D Major, "Shadows"York Bowen, Joop Celis
Fantasia, Op. 132York Bowen, Joop Celis
Two Intermezzi, Op. 141: No. 1 in B Minor. Andantino tranquilloYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Two Intermezzi, Op. 141: No. 2 in G Minor. Allegro con fuocoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Siciliano and Toccatina, Op. 128: I. Siciliano in F Major. Andantino graziosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Siciliano and Toccatina, Op. 128: II. Toccatina in A Minor. Allegro, quasi prestoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Four Bagatelles, Op. 147: No. 1 in A Minor. Andante con motoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Four Bagatelles, Op. 147: No. 2 in B Minor. Moderato sostenutoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Four Bagatelles, Op. 147: No. 3 in F Major. Allegretto graziosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Four Bagatelles, Op. 147: No. 4 in E Major. Andantino graziosoYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Evening CalmYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Ballade No. 2, Op. 87York Bowen, Joop Celis
Three Songs without Words, Op. 94: I. Song of the StreamYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Three Songs without Words, Op. 94: II. SolitudeYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Three Songs without Words, Op. 94: III. The WarningYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Three Preludes, Op. 81: II. Andante dolente e rubato - - Tempo IYork Bowen, Joop Celis
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
