Arnold Bax: The Piano Music of Arnold Bax Volume Three

On this CD:

1. Russian Tone Pictures (2) for piano Nocturne (May-Night in the Ukrain
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

2. Russian Tone Pictures (2) for piano Gopak (National Dance)
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

3. Maiden with the Daffodil, for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

4. Princess's Rose Garden, for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

5. Apple Blossom Time, for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

6. On a May Evening, for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

7. O Dame Get Up and Bake Your Pies, variations for piano on a North Country Christmas Carol
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

8. Nereid for piano "Sleepy-Head", "A Romance", "Burlesque"
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

9. Sleepy-head, for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

10. A Romance for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

11. Burlesques for piano
Composed by Arnold (Sir) Bax
Performed by Eric Parkin

Arnold Bax: The Piano Music of Arnold Bax Volume Three, Music, Arnold Bax, Eric Parkin, 20th/21st Century Variations for Keyboard, Burleske for Keyboard, Classical, Classical Music, Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb., Keyboard, Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title, Romance for Keyboard

Arnold Bax: The Piano Music of Arnold Bax Volume Three
Average customer rating:

Music of harmonic depth played with imagination

Arnold Bax: The Piano Music of Arnold Bax Volume Three

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000AIR
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Customer Reviews:

Music of harmonic depth played with imagination .......2004-09-04

I am always fascinated that after first listening a work by Arnold Bax I seem to progress toward a steadily increasing appreciation with every subsequent hearing. It has often been suggested that a typical Bax work seldom reveals all of its riches on one hearing only, and I would have to agree with this assessment. Repeated exposure is the best way to come to love Bax's music as I have. Unfortunately, I think this may account for some of Bax's undeserved neglect; audiences may have little patience for that sort of thing in these times.
Of course, there are exceptions to most rules and I believe that the shorter piano pieces provide such an example in the case of Bax. I would venture to guess that most listeners will be quickly delighted with these beautiful works. In these miniature packages (as opposed to the large symphonies and such) Bax presents memorable tunes and richly layered harmonies. The opening work, "May Night in Ukraine", is one of the most bewitching and gorgeous piano pieces I have ever heard. I can only attribute its neglect to its poor exposure among listeners and performers, all the more convincing to me since those I have exposed it to have expressed joy and wonder at it. Another favorite of mine from the album is the brief, but harmonically involved "Apple Blossom Time". As with the other pieces in this disk one can't help but admire Bax's ability to craft and at the same time paint vivid pictures.
Eric Parkin's piano playing is especially fit for the repertoire on this disk. With Bax the challenge for the pianist seems to be to match the large variety of moods, characters, and ambiences the composer presents in his detailed works- and not only match them, but keep up with their rapid presentations and intertwined successions. In the nocturne Parkin's tone is appropriately velvety and multi-hued, and his dynamics superbly are controlled. But he demonstrates a certain crispness when he must, especially in "Gopak". I found little fault with Parkin's interpretations.
This disc is a pleasure. I heartily recommend it!

Music Track:

Music Track

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