IDAGIO | Bowen: Viola Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2

Featuring

Matthew Jones
Michael Hampton
Bridge Duo
York Bowen

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

Camille Saint-Saëns, a famous French composer, described Edwin York Bowen as 'the most remarkable of the young British composers'.

Critical Reception

The works on this album were considered phenomenally difficult at the time of composition, which likely contributed to their rare performance until recently.

Composer Biography

Edwin York Bowen, the composer, made his concerto debut at the age of eight and won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at fourteen.

Compositional Technique

Edwin York Bowen's viola works, encouraged by Lionel Tertis, pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible on the instrument, incorporating virtuosic techniques common in violin music.

Performer Biography

Matthew Jones, the violist on this recording, is also a composer, mathematics graduate, and teacher of the Alexander Technique and Kundalini Yoga and Meditation.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Edwin York Bowen was inspired by Lionel Tertis, often known as the 'father of the modern viola', to champion the viola as a solo instrument.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Edwin York Bowen was nicknamed 'the English Rachmaninov' due to his romantic melodies and harmonies, though some suggest 'the English Chopin' might be more fitting.