Gardner: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Symphony No. 1 / Midsummer Ale Overture Peter Donohoe

• 1 Midsummer Ale Overture, Op. 73 05:28
• 2 I. Allegro con brio 09:04
• 3 II. Theme and variations 09:52
• 4 III. Finale: Rondo 06:43
• 5 I. Lento e grave 11:57
• 6 II. Scherzo: Allegro 06:22
• 7 III. Lento 11:56
• 8 IV. Finale: Allegro molto 10:32
• Total Runtime 01:11:54

Info for Gardner: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Symphony No. 1 / Midsummer Ale Overture

The English composer John Gardner has been largely neglected, in spite of his prolific output. His career began with great promise before the war, to be resumed gradually afterwards, but seldom with the success he seemed to deserve. This recording should help to re-establish his reputation with two relatively early works written in the post-war years, the Symphony No. 1, “a superbly crafted work... by a subtle and imaginative orchestrator” (Paul Conway/Musicweb-International) and the Piano Concerto No. 1, both premièred by Barbirolli. The Piano Concerto here receives only its third performance. Midsummer Ale is a classic piece of British light music with delightfully catchy melodies.

“These fine, dedicated performances are undoubtedly a fitting gift to the composer on his 90th birthday.” (BBC Music Magazine)

“A victim of late ’50s Darmstadtism, Gardner’s music is making a welcome comeback...The First Piano Concerto (1967) offers a contrasted idiom in its percussive echoes of the Bartók concertos, suiting Peter Donohoe's strong style admirably in a performance brilliantly backed by David Lloyd-Jones and the RSNO. The disc is dazzlingly rounded off with a rumbustious comedy overture. Midsummer Ale, which I hope will bring renewed attention to the composer's most attractive music.” (Gramophone)

“This coupling of two of John Gardner's major works, plus a sparkling comedy overture, could not be more welcome...By rights this disc will bring renewed attention to the music of a most attractive composer.” (The Penguin Guide)

Peter Donohoe, piano
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
David Lloyd-Jones, conductor

No biography found.

Booklet for Gardner: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Symphony No. 1 / Midsummer Ale Overture