Immerse yourself in the captivating world of William Mathias's early piano concertos with this remarkable album, released on SOMM Recordings in 2014. This collection features the first-ever recordings of Mathias's Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 2, and Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 13, showcasing the composer's unique voice and contributions to the mid-twentieth-century piano repertory. The album also includes Ralph Vaughan Williams's Fantasia for Piano and Orchestra, offering a fascinating glimpse into the composer's early influences and stylistic evolution.
Performed by the talented Mark Bebbington, with the Ulster Orchestra under the direction of George Vass, this album presents a compelling journey through these works. Mathias's concertos, marked by their angular melodies and youthful energy, are paired with Vaughan Williams's Fantasia, a piece that reflects the composer's intellectual curiosity and search for self-identity. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, providing a rich and engaging listening experience.
William Mathias, a prolific composer, is known for his large-scale works, including operas, symphonies, and concertos. His compositions, such as the Symphonies, Clarinet Concerto, and Lux Aeterna, have entered the repertory and garnered critical acclaim. This album offers a unique opportunity to explore Mathias's early works and discover the foundations of his distinctive musical language.
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