This album features music for two pianos by three prolific but little-known British composers: Dorothy Howell, Pamela Harrison, and Madeleine Dring.
Composer Biography
Dorothy Howell, another composer on this album, had her first compositions published by her father at the age of thirteen, showing her early talent.
Historical Context
The two-piano combination was popular in the mid-twentieth century for both concert halls and light entertainment, making it a perfect medium for composers who enjoyed a lightness of touch.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The three featured composers—Dorothy Howell, Pamela Harrison, and Madeleine Dring—all wrote tonal music with a great sense of humor, which shines through in the wit and energy of their pieces.
Composer Biography
Madeleine Dring, one of the composers on this album, had a four-fold career as a composer, singer, pianist, and actress, which explains the theatricality in her music.
Performer Biography
Pianist Hiroaki Takenouchi has been involved in BBC Radio 3's 'Forgotten Women Composers Project', recording works by Dorothy Howell, Pamela Harrison, and others.
Recording & Production
Tracks 5-18 and 20-25 on this album are first recordings, meaning they are the first time these pieces have been commercially released.
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