Field - Piano Works

£13.88

In stock - available for despatch within 1 working day

Label: Chandos - 2-4-1

Cat No: CHAN24138

Barcode: 0095115243824

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 2

Genre: Instrumental

Release Date: 30th July 2007

About

A fellow countryman of John Field’s, Míċeál O’Rourke performs this 2-CD recital with intelligence and taste, much of the repertoire not otherwise available. A large amount of the music has the quiet charm one associates with the work of this delightful early-eighteenth-century virtuoso Irish pianist and composer, and the collection includes all four surviving sonatas, complemented with a generous miscellany of rarely recorded or performed miniatures.

Field was born a dozen years after Beethoven and these delightful pieces clearly show Beethoven’s influence, as well as more than a hint of Mozart and Haydn. Nonetheless, they have a character of their own, especially in the innovative use of Irish folk tunes.

For those who like piano music of the early nineteenth century, this unusual repertoire will constitute a most enjoyable discovery. It makes an ideal introduction to Field’s music as O’Rourke’s stylish performances do full justice to the lovely melodies and general charm of the works.

"O’Rourke gives witty, stylish and very proficient performances of these sonatas." Cincinnati Enquirer

"O’Rourke’s great weight and expressiveness seem more appropriate and make one wonder why Field’s music isn’t more often heard in the concert hall." Classic CD

"The recording is a model of authentic keyboard sound and O’Rourke’s playing is a model of empathy with the composer and the music." Fanfare

"O’Rourke is as sympathetic and sensitive an advocate of these rarities as one could wish for." Penguin Guide