York Bowen: The Complete Works for Viola and Piano
11/10/2023, 15 Tracks, 2:02:31
Featuring
Lawrence Power
Simon Crawford-Phillips
James Boyd
Philip Dukes
Scott Dickinson
York Bowen
Ludwig van Beethoven
Did you know?
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Composer Biography
York Bowen, a student contemporary of Arnold Bax and Benjamin Dale at the Royal Academy of Music, was the son of a celebrated whisky distiller.
Recording & Production
Many pieces on this album are first recordings, including the Romance in D flat major, Romance in A major, and Allegro de concert.
Composer Biography
York Bowen was a viola player as well as a pianist and became the accompanist for Lionel Tertis, a prominent viola virtuoso.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Frederick Corder, York Bowen's composition teacher, encouraged his students to write their own parts to duet with established classics.
Historical Context
Lionel Tertis, a viola player and professor at the Royal Academy of Music, single-handedly campaigned to establish the viola as an acceptable solo instrument.
Composition History
York Bowen's Melody for the G string was premiered at a wartime charity concert to support sending books to allied prisoners, including his friend Benjamin Dale.
Critical Reception
York Bowen's reputation as a leading British composer faded after World War I due to the rise of modernism, only to be revisited successfully in the 21st century.
