Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical piano music with Peter Phillips' latest album, "Nutcracker Suite. Piano Music from the Golden Age." Released on November 21, 2023, under the Novus Promusica label, this captivating collection showcases a blend of timeless classics and lesser-known gems, all performed with exquisite skill and sensitivity by Phillips.
Spanning a diverse range of composers, from Tchaikovsky to Casella, this album is a testament to the golden age of piano music. The 22 tracks, lasting a total of 1 hour and 34 minutes, offer a rich tapestry of melodies and rhythms that will transport you to different eras and moods. Highlights include the iconic "Nutcracker Suite," beautifully arranged for solo piano, and the evocative "Finlandia" by Sibelius, skillfully adapted by Flohr.
Phillips' interpretation of these pieces is both faithful to the original compositions and infused with his own unique artistic vision. His technical prowess and expressive playing bring a fresh perspective to these beloved works, making this album a delight for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts.
Whether you're in the mood for the lively rhythms of a gypsy rondo, the delicate beauty of a berceuse, or the dramatic intensity of a ballade, this album has something to offer. The inclusion of pieces like "Barcarolle" and "Butterfly Waltz" adds a touch of whimsy and romance, while the more contemplative works, such as "Sadness of Soul" and "Love Poem," provide moments of quiet reflection.
"Nutcracker Suite. Piano Music from the Golden Age" is not just a collection of songs; it's a journey through the evolution of piano music, showcasing the versatility and depth of the instrument. Peter Phillips' masterful playing and thoughtful programming make this album a standout in the world of classical piano recordings.
2023 Novus Promusica2023 Novus Promusica
Tracks
Gigue (Arr. Solo Piano by Macdowell) - Duo-Art 6083Jean-Baptiste Lully, Peter Phillips, Victor Wittgenstein
Trio No. 5 in G Major: Gypsy Rondo (Arr. Solo Piano by Bauer) - Duo-Art 7254Joseph Haydn, Peter Phillips, Harold Bauer
Air De Ballet - Duo-Art 63468Victor Herbert, Carolyne Cone Baldwin, Peter Phillips
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: No. 1, Berceuse (Arr. Solo Piano by Cortot) - Duo-Art 6241 UsGabriel Fauré, Peter Phillips, Alfred Cortot
Berceuse - Duo-Art 6181César Cui, Peter Phillips, Alexander Lambert
Preludes, Book I: No. 11, La Danse De Puck - Welte-Mignon 2738Claude Debussy, Peter Phillips
Lieder Ohne Worte, Op. 52: No. 4, Sadness of Soul - Welte-Mignon 228Felix Mendelssohn, Peter Phillips, Arthur Friedheim
Barcarolle, Op. 14 - Duo-Art 65888Selim Palmgren, Peter Phillips
Andantino in D Flat (Moonlight and Roses) - Duo-Art 66779Edwin Henry Lemare, Peter Phillips
Butterfly Waltz - Duo-Art 0246 BrCyril Scott, Peter Phillips
Barcarola - Duo-Art 70159Alfredo Casella, Peter Phillips
Etude Melodique, Op. 130, No. 1 in A-Flat Major - Duo-Art 5806Joachim Raff, Peter Phillips, Charles Gilbert Spross
Fantasiestucke, Op. 12.: Nos. 1 and 2 (Evening, Soaring) - Dca 135Robert Schumann, Peter Phillips, Julius Röntgen
Impromptu, Op. 142 No. 2 in A-Flat Major - Dca 634Franz Schubert, Peter Phillips, Fritz von Bose
Lyrische Stucke, Op. 43: No. 5, Love Poem (Erotikon) - Duo-Art 6693Edvard Grieg, Peter Phillips, Percy Grainger
Ballade No. 1, Op. 23 in G Minor - Duo-Art 5644Frédéric Chopin, Peter Phillips, Ethel Leginska
Mazurka No. 3, Op. 66 in B Minor - Welte-Mignon 799Camille Saint-Saëns, Peter Phillips
Nutcracker Suite (Pt. 1) - Welte-Mignon 2995Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Peter Phillips, Eugen d'Albert
Nutcracker Suite (Pt. 2) - Welte-Mignon 2996Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Peter Phillips, Eugen d'Albert
Rhapsodie, Op. 11, No. 3 - Welte-Mignon 1828Ernst von Dohnányi, Peter Phillips, Yolanda Mero
Finlandia, Op. 26 (Arr. Solo Piano by Flohr) - Welte-Mignon 3356Jean Sibelius, Peter Phillips, Hubert Flohr
North Country Sketches (Arr. 4 Hands Piano by Heseltine): No. 4, March of Spring: Woodlands, Meadows and Siient Moors - Duo-Art 7192Frederick Delius, Peter Phillips, Percy Grainger, Ralph Leopold