Benjamin Britten, a renowned composer, was a student of John Ireland at the Royal College of Music, with Ireland insisting on Britten receiving a scholarship despite some contrary opinions.
Composer Biography
John Ireland, the composer, was forced to evacuate his beloved Channel Islands with only 24 hours' notice due to the imminent German invasion in 1940.
Recording & Production
The first of the five LPs for this album was recorded without editing facilities, meaning complete performances had to be captured in one take.
Performer Biography
Alan Rowlands, the pianist on this album, began studying chemistry at Oxford but later switched to music, entering the Royal College of Music at age 26 after not having piano lessons for 10 years.
Interpretation
John Ireland, the composer, was very particular about how his music was played, often giving specific instructions like wanting a section of 'Song of the Springtides' to be 'like the ocean swell'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
John Ireland's individual style, which emerged early in his career, shows a predilection for modal scales and harmony, and a personal technique influenced by Ravel and Stravinsky.
Compositional Technique
John Ireland's piano music is noted for its rich and colourful content, combining poetry and ruggedness, and is considered unique in English piano music.
You might also enjoy...
Daughters Of The Lonsome Isle
Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim From The Piano
Hickey: Cursive
Cristóbal Halffter: Música para piano[s]
Cage: Piano Works
Cage: Early Piano Music
Enescu: Complete Works for Solo Piano, Vol. 3
Ireland, J.: Piano Works, Vol. 2 - Decorations / Sonatina / Leaves From A Child's Sketchbook
