York Bowen has been described as ‘the English Rachmaninov’. He was a prodigious pianist whose deep and richly expressive music is known to only a few seekers of elusive musical gems. As a young composer he was highly regarded, by the most admired performers of the day, including Hans Richter, Fritz Kreisler, and Lionel Tertis. Camille Saint-Saens was an early admirer of Bowen. He described him as ‘the most remarkable of the Young British composers’. As many newspapers of the time testify, his concerts were always a special event. The reason for his subsequent obscurity remains a mystery, for his distinctive music is of the highest quality.

 

Volume one of the series helped to reassess Bowen’s music, and volume two is sure to develop this further. The distinguished Dutch pianist Joop Celis performs regularly as a solo, chamber and concert artist. Following volume one, International Record Review described Celis as a ‘thoroughly sympathetic advocate of Bowen’s work… powerful and poised, nimble and sensitive’.

 

Bowen composed over 160 works, which show a blend of Romanticism and strong individuality. He studied composition with Frederick Corder, and won many prizes while still a student. Bowen, however, was more responsive to two other national schools: the Russian, and the French. It is this fusion of different styles which makes Bowen’s own very individual sound world so remarkable.

 

On this disc, the range of Bowen’s piano music amply demonstrated, from the Sonata to the tiny Bagatelles and second Intermezzo. Throughout, we may appreciate his command of the keyboard. The largest work is Sonata in F minor, Op.72 which receives its first recording with this release. The Fifth sonata is a powerful score, subtly original, reminiscent of Rachmaninov’s Second Sonata. Fantasia in G minor, Opus 132 is brilliantly virtuosic, revealing a master-pianist-composer at the height of his powers. The Bagatelles were one of the last pieces of Bowen’s composition, and make a delightful set miniatures, playing for less than eight minutes, but possessing that indefinable characteristic of implying more than their individual brevity suggests.

 

"This disc an astounding addition to the piano catalogue, both in terms of performance and repertoire. Dutch pianist Joop Celis displays impeccable technique in Bowen’s demanding scores. He is clearly an excellent musician. Chandos offers clear, vibrant sound. A lot of dedicated work and effort has gone into this recording". American Record Guide                  

 

Premiere recordings of Sonata No 5 in F minor, Op 72, Four Bagatelles, Fantasia