"Relationships: Maconchy, LeFanu & Swayne" is a captivating journey through nearly a century of British chamber music, performed by the accomplished violinist Malu Lin and pianist Giles Swayne. This album is a testament to the intertwined lives and influences of its creators and performers, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of British musical styles.
The album features works by Elizabeth Maconchy, Nicola LeFanu, and Giles Swayne, each composer connected by familial ties and shared musical heritage. Maconchy, a cousin of Swayne's mother, was a significant influence on his musical development, while LeFanu is Maconchy's daughter and Swayne's cousin. This familial connection is further strengthened by the marriage of Malu Lin and Giles Swayne, who perform together as a duo throughout the album.
The repertoire spans a wide range of styles and influences, from the pastoralism of Vaughan Williams (who taught Maconchy) to the folk-inspired melodies of Bartók and Janáček, and the modernist techniques of Petrassi (who taught LeFanu). The album opens with Maconchy's Violin Sonata No. 1, a work that showcases the composer's unique voice and her debt to the central European tradition. It continues with LeFanu's "Abstracts and a Frame," a suite of eight movements that explore a variety of moods and textures, and concludes with Swayne's "Duo, Op. 20," a work composed for violinist Christopher Rowland, who was Malu Lin's teacher.
Throughout the album, Lin and Swayne's performances are marked by their technical virtuosity, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the repertoire. Their playing brings out the unique character of each work, from the lyrical melodies of Maconchy's sonatas to the rhythmic complexity of LeFanu's "Abstracts and a Frame."
"Relationships: Maconchy, LeFanu & Swayne" is a fascinating exploration of the connections between composers and performers, and a celebration of the rich musical heritage of Britain. With its engaging performances and diverse repertoire, this album is sure to appeal to fans of chamber music and those interested in the history of British music."
Vinylscout