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23012     (ATHCD 12)
 
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HAVERGAL BRIAN: COMPLETE PIANO MUSIC
RAYMOND CLARKE (piano)
With ESTHER KING (mezzo-soprano)*
TESSA SPONG (speaker) **

Brian is quite rightly acquiring a steadily growing band of admirers, and his orchestral music is now enjoying deserved popularity.  His piano music on the other hand remains almost unknown, apart from this pioneering CD.

playing time: 76:34
direct sale price:  £8.50
audio  sample:  The Butterfly's Waltz
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tracks:

Prelude - John Dowland’s Fantasy
Double Fugue in E flat
Four Miniatures
Prelude and Fugue in C minor
The Land of Dreams *
The Birds *
The Defiled Sanctuary *
Prelude and Fugue in D minor/major
Three Illuminations **
Three Illuminations (piano solo version)

 review extracts:
“Raymond Clarke presents intelligent and scrupulously prepared performances, bringing out with dedication the classical clarity of thought behind his abrupt and unexpected turns of invention.  The supporting artists are excellent, Athene’s recording crystalline and beautifully atmospheric.”  - Calum MacDonald, (BBC Music Magazine)
“Those who only know Havergal Brian as the composer of numerous, little-known symphonies will find this disc of piano music something of a surprise … three intensely complicated contrapuntal works … all the pieces are given dedicated and skilful performances on this recording.” - Barbara Hammond, (Classic CD)
“Formidable performances (even of the Double Fugue, which ideally needs at least three hands), and well recorded.”  - Michael Oliver, (Gramophone)
“Raymond Clarke’s playing is as accurate as one could hope for.  Nearly every accent and change in tempo, for example, is realised … Clarke’s program notes are a model of clarity and insight.” - Paul Rapoport, (Fanfare)
“Raymond Clarke’s outstanding recording of Havergal Brian’s piano music … an acutely sensitive response to this very beautiful music.” - Martin Anderson, (Tempo)