Movements, Alwyn's last major work for piano, is dedicated to Doreen Carwithen, who later became his second wife.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Alwyn's intuitive piano writing produced virtuoso concert pieces, expressive miniatures, and educational works for examinations.
Performer Biography
Ashley Wass is Naxos's first exclusively contracted solo artist and has performed at major venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace.
Recording & Production
This album includes world première recordings of William Alwyn's Hunter's Moon, Two Irish Pieces, Contes Barbares, Cinderella, and Water Lilies.
Performer Biography
Ashley Wass, the pianist on this recording, is the only British pianist to win First Prize at the London International Piano Competition and is a former BBC New Generation Artist.
Composition History
Contes Barbares (Barbaric Tales) was inspired by Paul Gauguin's painting 'Manao Tupapau' and his journal 'Noa Noa' from his time in Tahiti.
Composer Biography
William Alwyn (1905-1985) was a romantic composer whose piano music was influenced by Liszt, Rachmaninov, Debussy, Ravel, and John Ireland.
