Rubbra: Complete Solo Piano Music

On this CD:

1. Prelude and Fugue for piano, Op. 69
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

2. Sonatina for piano, Op. 19
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

3. Fukagawa, for piano
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

4. Introduction, Aria, and Fugue, for Piano, Op. 104
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

5. Preludes (8) for piano, Op. 131
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

6. Nemo fugue, for piano
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

7. Studies (4) for piano, Op. 139
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

8. Invention on the name of Haydn, for piano, Op. 160
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

9. Fantasy Fugue, for piano, Op. 161
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

10. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Question & Answer
Composed by Edmund Rubbra

11. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Pipe tune
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

12. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Hurdy gurdy
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

13. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Slow dance
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

14. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Catch me if you can
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

15. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Peasant Dance
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

16. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 Cradle Song
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

17. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 The donkey
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

18. Teaching pieces (9) for piano, Op. 74 The shining river
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Michael Dussek

Editorial Reviews
From International Record Review - subscribe now
Rubbra was a fine pianist, as those who are old enough to remember the broadcasts he made in the late 1940s and early 1950s with Erich Gruenberg and William Pleeth can testify. All too few examples of his playing survive: the Second Violin Sonata with Frederick Grinke (Decca mono LXT2978) and the First Piano Trio in one movement with Gruenberg and Pleeth (Argo mono RG5); and the BBC Archives contain (or at least contained) examples of some of the solo works. Considering his natural prowess, it is surprising that he did not compose more. Apart from the glorious Piano Concerto in G major – a work that reveals greater depths every time you return to it – and the Sinfonia concertante, the present disc, which runs for an hour or so, comprises his entire output for the instrument. Although Edward Moore has recorded much of it (Introduction and Fugue, Sonatina, Introduction, Aria and Fugue, Op. 104, Eight Preludes, Op. 131 and the Four Studies, Op. 139) and there have been alternative accounts of the Prelude and fugue on a theme of Cyril Scott, this disc provides by far the most comprehensive view of Rubbra's piano music – and easily the best. The Eight Preludes of 1966, which Rubbra himself premiered at the Cheltenham Festival, are very fine (the second one hints at the Eighth Symphony which was then in gestation). In addition to his keyboard artistry, Michael Dussek contributes authoritative and informative notes, and makes a telling comparison between these Preludes and those of Frank Martin composed 18 years earlier. Dussek's eight-year-old daughter Rachel plays, very gracefully, the appealing Nine Teaching Pieces he wrote in 1952. Very natural and truthful recorded sound enhance the attractions of this invaluable issue, which is recommended with all possible enthusiasm. Robert Layton

Customer Reviews:

Listen to Michael Dussek and his little daughter, Rachael.......2001-10-23

The distinguished English composer, Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986), is best known for his eleven symphonies and fine choral and chamber works. This CD contains all his music for solo piano. It is odd he wrote so little, considering his ability as a pianist.
I love Rubbra's music but I have to say that the piano music has not been my preference. It may be that his mature style was not really suitable for the instrument. That said, much of the material on this CD has not been available before and there are some fine compositions here. The Sonatina, Nemo fugue, Fantasy fugue and the two groups of teaching pieces are ones I shall return to.

The programme begins with the Bachian Prelude and fugue on a theme of Cyril Scott. Scott was Rubbra's first composition teacher whose own style of composition was impressionistic and not at all Bachian, so was this a bit of a joke on Rubbra's part?
The Sonatina is an early piece and not characteristic of Rubbra's mature style but nevertheless it has great charm and beauty. The central andante, in particular, has a Gallic grace and lightness of touch. A real delight. Fukagawa is an arrangement of a Japanese folk song. Rubbra gives no tempi or dynamics so those are up to the pianist.

The Introduction, aria and fugue is a late work. The invention is rather heavy and the thematic material is not really memorable. The Eight preludes (1966) is the longest work he composed for piano solo. There are good things here but I find it uneven. The allegretto (3) and the following andante have considerable atmosphere. The final lento is full of foreboding but comes to a premature end. On the negative side, the writing is often thick and lacks the delicacy of the earlier Sonatina. In the moderato (2) the repeated notes in the left hand make the piano sound like the old honky-tonks that used to accompany silent films. As a whole, it does not quite come off.

The Nemo fugue is a rather fine short work. The Four Studies are teaching pieces but also have a freshness of invention within their tiny spans. The Fantasy fugue (1982) is a fine piece, with a nobility of expression that builds to a climax and subsides to a beautiful ending. Bell sounds had haunted Rubbra since his childhood and you hear these throughout much of this work.

Finally, the Nine teaching pieces have a special place in my life as I `played' some of them when I was learning the piano. It is nice to hear how they really go. Michael Dussek's daughter, Rachael, plays the first piece which she does faultlessly. These are beautiful miniatures and it is rare to see a composer extending his invention to write something really memorable for children - they make a change from Czerny. Rubbra took the theme from The Shining River and used it for the variations in his only brass band composition. This part of the recording is called an appendix but to me it is one of the best bits.

The playing of Michael Dussek (and Rachael!) is exemplary, as is the recording. The full notes are by Michael Dussek and reveal his commitment to this composer. Did you know the Rubbra's had a pet donkey called Freddy?

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

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