Immerse yourself in the comprehensive musical journey of Percy Grainger's "Complete Music for Four Hands, Two Pianos." Released on January 26, 2017, by Heritage Records, this extensive collection spans an impressive 3 hours and 41 minutes, featuring 59 tracks that showcase the brilliance of Percy Grainger's compositions for piano duets. The album is performed by the talented trio of Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender, and Timothy Young, who bring Grainger's intricate and vibrant works to life with exceptional skill and artistry.
This album is a treasure trove of musical styles and influences, reflecting Grainger's eclectic tastes and innovative spirit. From lively folk-inspired pieces like "Country Gardens" and "Shepherd's Hey" to the more contemplative and evocative works such as "Molly on the Shore" and "The Lonely Desert-Man Sees the Tents of the Happy Tribes," the collection offers a diverse range of emotions and atmospheres. Grainger's unique arrangements and compositions, including his "Lincolnshire Posy" and "Norwegian Peasant Dances," highlight his ability to blend traditional melodies with modern techniques, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Percy Grainger's music or a newcomer eager to explore his works, this album provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of his piano duets. The meticulous performances by Thwaites, Lavender, and Young ensure that every note is rendered with precision and passion, making this a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and fans of piano music alike.
(C) 2017 Heritage Records
Tracks
In a Nutshell: I. Arrival Platform HumletPercy Grainger, John Lavender, Penelope Thwaites
In a Nutshell: II. Gay but WistfulPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
In a Nutshell: III. PastoralPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
In a Nutshell: IV. 'The Gum-Suckers' MarchPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Spoon RiverPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
When the World was YoungPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Molly on the ShorePercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Hill-Song IIPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Country GardensPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Mowgli's Song Against PeoplePercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Eastern IntermezzoPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
English WaltzPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
The Wraith of OdinPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Always Merry and BrightPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Duke of Marlborough's FanfarePercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Lincolnshire Posy: I. LisbonPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Lincolnshire Posy: II. Horkstow GrangePercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Lincolnshire Posy: III. Rufford Park PoachersPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Lincolnshire Posy: IV. The Brisk Young SoldierPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Lincolnshire Posy: V. Lord MelbournePercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Lincolnshire Posy: VI. The Lost Lady FoundPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Children's March 'Over the Hills and Far Away'Percy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Shepherd's HeyPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Hill-Song IPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Handel in the StrandPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Harvest HymnPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
The Widow's PartyPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
The Lonely Desert-Man Sees the Tents of the Happy TribesPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
The Rival BrothersPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
The Warriors IIPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Two Musical Relics of my MotherPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Let's Dance Gay in Green MeadowPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Blithe BellsPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Pritteling, Pratteling Pretty Poll ParrotPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
3 Symphonic Dances for 2 Pianos, Op. 22 (Arr. Grainger): I. Allegro con brioPercy Grainger, Cyril Scott, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
3 Symphonic Dances for 2 Pianos, Op. 22 (Arr. Grainger): II. Andante sostenuto e sempre molto cantabilePercy Grainger, Cyrill Scott, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
3 Symphonic Dances for 2 Pianos, Op. 22 (Arr. Grainger): III. Allegro energicoPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites
Youthful Tone-Works: I. RondoPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Youthful Tone-Works: II. The Crew of the Long DragonPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites
A Dance Rhapsody No.1 for 2 Pianos (Arr. Grainger)Percy Grainger, Frederick Delius, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Norwegian Peasant Dances, Op. 72: No. 11, Knut Lurasen’s Halling II (Arr. Grainger)Percy Grainger, Edvard Grieg, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Festival (Arr. Grainger)Percy Grainger, Richard Addinsell, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Airs à III, IV, V et VI parties: No. 2, La Bel’ Aronde (Arr. Grainger) IPercy Grainger, Claude Le Jeune, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Early One MorningPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Ye Banks and BraesPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Tiger,TigerPercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Walking TunePercy Grainger, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Airs à III, IV, V et VI parties: No. 2, La Bel’ Aronde (Arr. Grainger) IIPercy Grainger, Claude Le Jeune, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Embraceable You for Piano Solo (Arr. Grainger)Percy Grainger, George Gershwin, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender
Fantasy on Themes from Porgy and Bess (Arr. Grainger)Percy Grainger, George Gershwin, Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender