York Bowen Viola Sonatas: (Timothy Ridout & Kevonna Shuford)

[maestrob]

Sonata No. 1, Op. 18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uuIgByoZSI

York Bowen (1884-1961) contributed several works for Viola, notably 2 sonatas and a Concerto, all dedicated to english violist Lionel Tertis (1876-1975) known as “father of the viola” and revolutionized viola playing as we know it today. Bowen's compositions each display a unique ‘blend of Romanticism and strong individuality’. Although his influences include Rachmaninoff, Medtner, Chopin, Grieg and Tchaikovsky, Bowen's music is very much defined by its distinctive textures and harmonies. Although his active career spanned more than fifty years, Bowen's compositional style altered very little and he continued to employ a diatonic key system with use of chromatic harmonies throughout his life. Interesting fact, his 24 preludes for piano op.102 was dedicated to the English composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji.

Sonata No. 2

Kevonna Shuford - viola/Jacob Coleman - piano
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5DWXAjZt9o

[Febnyc]

Yes, indeed. So much lovely music of Bowen's has made it to CD. Thanks for the reminder.

(But, your first link appears to be off the subject. )

[Lance]

Interesting to read about York Bowen. I have a number of recordings of his music. Appian (APR) has a two-CD set of him at the piano, all taken from his 78s. There's quite a bit out there on disc by Bowen. I also enjoy Timothy Ridout's work. Thanks for posting this.

Sonata No. 1, Op. 18

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410 ... _QL65_.jpg

York Bowen (1884-1961) contributed several works for Viola, notably 2 sonatas and a Concerto, all dedicated to english violist Lionel Tertis (1876-1975) known as “father of the viola” and revolutionized viola playing as we know it today. Bowen's compositions each display a unique ‘blend of Romanticism and strong individuality’. Although his influences include Rachmaninoff, Medtner, Chopin, Grieg and Tchaikovsky, Bowen's music is very much defined by its distinctive textures and harmonies. Although his active career spanned more than fifty years, Bowen's compositional style altered very little and he continued to employ a diatonic key system with use of chromatic harmonies throughout his life. Interesting fact, his 24 preludes for piano op.102 was dedicated to the English composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji.

Sonata No. 2

Kevonna Shuford - viola/Jacob Coleman - piano
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5DWXAjZt9o

[maestrob]

Yes, indeed. So much lovely music of Bowen's has made it to CD. Thanks for the reminder.

(But, your first link appears to be off the subject. )

Quite right!

Please see the corrected post above with Ridout's live performance from Wigmore Hall.

[Febnyc]

Bingo! And, thanks - lovely performance.