Gardens, Fables, Prisons, Dreams

Penelope Thwaites, the British/Australian composer and concert pianist, invites you into a world of intricate melodies and profound narratives with her latest album, "Gardens, Fables, Prisons, Dreams." Released on July 21, 2023, under the prestigious SOMM Recordings label, this album is a collection of eight first recordings of chamber music compositions, each piece a testament to Thwaites' evocative storytelling and masterful compositional skills.

Spanning a duration of one hour and five minutes, the album is a journey through various phases of Thwaites' life, each track inspired by a particular person or experience. The album opens with "Jan Palach's Theme," a poignant piece dedicated to the Czech student who immolated himself in protest against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The suite "A Lambeth Garland" follows, a series of six movements that paint a vivid picture of a garden in London's Lambeth district.

"Vijay's Fable" and "Mazurka: Au Tombeau de Chopin" offer a glimpse into Thwaites' ability to blend different cultural influences into her music, creating a rich tapestry of sounds. The album also features "In a Summer Garden," arranged for two pianos by Thwaites herself, and "For Irina," a delicate and introspective piece dedicated to a close friend.

The second half of the album is dominated by "The Selfish Giant," an eight-movement suite based on Oscar Wilde's fairy tale. This ambitious work showcases Thwaites' ability to create complex, multi-layered compositions that are both musically and narratively engaging.

Throughout the album, Thwaites is joined by the Tippett Quartet and pianist Benjamin Frith, their performances bringing Thwaites' compositions to life with sensitivity and precision. "Gardens, Fables, Prisons, Dreams" is not just an album, but a testament to Penelope Thwaites' unique voice in the world of contemporary classical music.