Bax / Ireland CD SOMMCD242

Mark Bebbington and Orchestra of the Swan plays Bax & Ireland

Reviews for Bax: Piano Concertino / Ireland: Piano Concert and Legend:
 
''Mark Bebbington and conductor David Curtis are wholehearted in their advocacy of this fascinating piece (Bax Piano Concertino). Bebbington is also impressive in Ireland's attractive concerto with its brilliant jazzy episodes and its lyrical intensity.''
Michael Kennedy Sunday Telegraph, 11 October 2009 4****
 
''....the dynamics between piano and orchestra have a true concerto feel to them, recognised in this interpretation by Mark Bebbington and the Orchestra of the Swan. Ireland's Piano Concerto and Legend make ideal companion pieces, and it is gratifying to hear such ardent champions of music that fuse poignancy with winsome spirit.''
Geoffrey Norris Saturday Telegraph, 24 October 2009 4****

''.....Bebbington's feeling for the idiom is unerring.....The Concertino's piano part suits his flair for lucid sonority (always beautifully judged) and the quality contribution of this Stratford-based chamber orchestra.''
BBC Music Magazine, December 2009

The showstealer of this disc, then, is the world premiere of Arnold Bax's Concertino for Piano and Orchestra, a wildly Romantic piece....Bebbington spins elegantly, splashing the keys in bubbling, rolling passages of unrest. This is an important document, given new life here.''
Muso October/November 2009 4****

''Mark Bebbington overcomes the ferocious technical demands with a performance of real passion and conviction, and he is well matched by the Orchestra of the Swan, from instrumental solos to the most wide-ranging orchestral sonorities..Despite stiff competition in these works (Ireland Piano Concerto and Legend), the combination of Bebbington and Curtis is no less distinguished, with ravishing cantabile from orchestra and soloist in the slow movement , and a wonderfully giocoso finale with a dazzling virtuosic close from Bebbington.''
International Piano Magazine, November/December 2009

''Mark Bebbington produces the creamiest of quiet playing and loud passages are full, fat and powerful without overtaxing the instrument; his delicate passage work is a joy to hear. This is a very valuable release and will give much pleasure.''
Classical Source November, 2009

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