PIANO MUSIC

““Nathan Williamson delivers exemplary readings – this is music he has completely absorbed.... The sound maintains Lyrita’s highest standards, and Paul Conway’s extensive notes are perceptive and illuminating. This disc may not shout its virtues, but it will long offer thoughtful (and disturbing) rewards when some more clamorous voices have faded. Strongly recommended.”
— Kevin Mandry, British Music Society

The Piano Music album and accompanying 30 minute documentary are a collaboration between pianist Nathan Williamson, producer Adrian Farmer, film-maker Jesse Lawrene and Malcolm’s son, Jonathan. 

Recorded at Wyastone Concert Hall and Recording Studio in the Wye valley, the new album brings premiere recordings of a range of piano works from later in Malcolm’s career.  Nathan performs Piano Sonatas Nos. 5 and 6 and a cycle of eight Nocturnes written over a twenty-year period between 1997 and 2006. 

Paul Conway’s programme notes provide an insightful and erudite commentary on both the Sonatas and the Nocturnes. Piano Sonata No.6, commissioned by the celebrated actors Clive and David Swift, is a world premiere recording of a work that Malcolm described as one of his finest. As John France comments in his review of the album, “This remarkable piece entertains and moves.”

The album is also replete with dedications to a range of pianists, including Jeremy Carter (for whom Piano Sonata No.5 was written), Philip Fowke and Eileen Joyce (Nocturne No.1), Katharine Stott (Nocturne No.2), Stephen Coombs (Nocturne No.4) and Stephen Hough (Nocturne No.5).

“This well-balanced recital gives the listener a splending introduction to Malcolm Lipkin’s piano music.”
— John France, MusicWeb International
““This music requires an exceptional pianist...Any fears for a pianist confronted with the music’s virtuoso demands, especially in the Fifth Sonata, are triumphantly erased by Nathan Williamson’s performances.””
— Bryce Morrison, International Piano Magazine

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