Arnold: Concerto for Two Pianos

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The three major concertante works here reflect in a moving way the strange contradictions in Arnold's character, the mixture of lyrical warmth, popular inspiration and, in complete contrast,... — Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 More…

Release Date: 1st Oct 2007
Catalogue No: 8570531
Label: Naxos
Series: British Piano Concertos
Length: 66 minutes

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Arnold: Beckus the Dandipratt, Op. 5 - Comedy Overture

Work length8:11

$2.00

$2.60

Ulster Orchestra
Esa Heikkila

Arnold: Fantasy on a Theme of John Field, for piano & orchestra, Op.116

Work length23:25

Album only

Phillip Dyson
Ulster Orchestra
Esa Heikkila

Arnold: Concerto for 2 Pianos (3 hands), Op.104

Work length13:19

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$3.90

Phillip Dyson, Kevin Sargent
Ulster Orchestra
Esa Heikkila

I. Allegro moderato

Track length5:06

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$1.30

II. Andante con moto

Track length4:54

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$1.30

III. Allegro

Track length3:19

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Arnold: Concerto for Piano Duet & Strings, Op. 32

Work length21:36

$5.00

$6.50

Phillip Dyson, Kevin Sargent
Ulster Orchestra
Esa Heikkila

I. Allegro

Track length7:17

$2.00

$2.60

II. Larghetto

Track length7:48

$2.00

$2.60

III. Vivace

Track length6:31

$1.00

$1.30

Reviews
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Reviews

2010

The three major concertante works here reflect in a moving way the strange contradictions in Arnold's character, the mixture of lyrical warmth, popular inspiration and, in complete contrast, the darkness of Arnold's deeply depressive side, which at times had him consigned to psychiatric hospitals.
The longest work is the Fantasy on a Theme ofJohn Field, the theme being one of the Nocturnes, a favourite work with Arnold's mother.
Field, like Arnold, was alcoholic and depressive, and that made him a sympathetic figure to Arnold when the composer was living in Dublin.
In effect, it is a set of variations which for the most part are dark but which end with a lyrical Rachmaninov-like passage.
The Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings dates from 1951, a time of frenetic activity which in a very short while produced a whole sequence of works including several film scores but which also resulted in distressing treatment for his depression. The work brings busy and brilliant passagework for the soloists in the first movement, a still and intense passacaglia slow movement and a relentlessly high-spirited finale.
The Concerto for Two Pianos was written for Cyril Smith and Phyllis Sellick after Smith lost the use of his left hand, and represents Arnold's lighter side, notably in the big tune of the central slow movement, first cousin to the great surging second subject theme in the Fifth Symphony.
The work ends with a delightful rumba full of cross-rhythms.
The overture Beckus the Dandipratt is an exuberant comedy overture, with particularly brilliant writing for the brass – Arnold at the time was first trumpet in the LPO.
Phillip Dyson and Kevin Sargent are brilliant and alert piano soloists, with the young Finnish conductor Esa Heikkilä drawing dazzling playing from the Ulster Orchestra, vividly recorded.

December 2007

Philip Dyson and Kevin Sargent are brilliant and alert piano soloists, with the young Finnish conductor Esa Heikkilä drawing dazzling playing from the Ulster Orchestra, vividly recorded.

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