Docker: 3 Contrasts, Scènes de ballet & Pastiche Variations

Featuring

Barry Knight
William Davies
David Presley
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Robert Docker

Did you know?

1/7

Performer Biography

William Davies, the pianist on this recording, began his career as an organist at various Gaumont Cinemas in the UK and had an active career as an organist, pianist, and conductor.

Performer Biography

David Presley, the oboist, studied at the Royal College of Music and has played with most major London orchestras, including ten years with the Philharmonic Orchestra and with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The "pastiche" element in Robert Docker's "Pastiche Variations" refers to each variation assuming the style of a different composer, reflecting Docker's affection for his influences.

Composer Biography

Robert Docker, the composer, was born in London in 1918 and received a scholarship to study viola, piano, and composition at the Royal Academy of Music.

Compositional Technique

Robert Docker's "Pastiche Variations" for piano and orchestra are based on the traditional French tune "Frère Jacques" and are unusual because they begin with the first variation before stating the theme.

Composer Biography

Robert Docker was renowned for his arrangements and compositions in the popular light music genre, and also orchestrated music for cinema, including part of the score for "Chariots of Fire."

Performer Biography

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, founded in 1948, is Ireland's national public service multimedia organisation's orchestra and has performed with artists like Luciano Pavarotti and Lang Lang.