Arnold Cooke believed in composing intelligible, accessible music for both performers and listeners, often adhering to 18th and 19th-century forms.
Album & Artwork
This CD is the first in a pioneering series of recordings of Arnold Cooke's chamber music by the Pleyel Ensemble.
Recording & Production
Three of the works on this album are World Première recordings, with only the Sonata no. 2 for violin and piano previously available.
Performer Biography
Benedict Holland, the violinist on this album, plays on a rare violin made by Rogeri in 1710.
Critical Reception
Arnold Cooke's music has been described as that of 'the complete craftsman' by Colin Mason, who noted that the structure of English musical life deprived Cooke of some recognition.
Composer Biography
Arnold Cooke (1906-2005) studied with E.J. Dent at Cambridge and then spent three years with Paul Hindemith, a prominent German composer, in Berlin.
Performer Biography
Susie Mészáros, the violist, made her Wigmore Hall debut in 1977 with Yehudi Menuhin, a renowned violinist and conductor.
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