Robert Simpson: Chamber Music, Volume One
Most of the chamber music of Robert Simpson (1921–97) was recorded by Hyperion in the 1980s and ‘90s, but there remained some gaps in that discography. The Robert Simpson Society has sponsored two albums to plug them, this first one including an early string quartet and two songs that came to light only after the composer’s death. In later life Simpson used to say that poems good enough to set didn‘t need music – but these two youthful essays prove that he was already a master. Simpson wrote the D major string quartet as a student at Durham; an examiner described it as ‘fearless’. The two mature works – vintage Simpson – bring his sense of symphonic momentum into the clarinet repertoire.
The Tippett Quartet
Emma Johnson, clarinet
Raphael Wallfisch, cello
John Lenehan, piano
Eva-Maria Hartmann, soprano
Cornelis Witthoefft, piano
Peter Cigleris, clarinet
Derek Hannigan, bass clarinet
Will Duerden, double bass
Levi Andreassen, double bass
Daniil Margulis, double bass
Listen To This Recording:
String Quartet in D Major
- I. Allegro moderato (4:59)
- II. Adagio non troppo (6:18)
- III. Allegretto grazioso (3:24)
- IV. Presto
- Trocknet nicht! (4:12)
- The Cherry Tree (4:19)
Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano
- Lento molto – (10:26)
- Quarter Note = c. 72 (6:58)
- Allegro molto e furioso (10:24)
Quintet for Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Three Double Basses
- Adagio tranquillo (6:39)
- Allegro – (7:33)
- Adagio (4:06)
First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘One can wholeheartedly welcome this splendid first volume, replete with riches.one can wholeheartedly welcome this splendid first volume, replete with riches. […]
The Tippett Quartet offer a vigorous reading of [the string quartet] […]
All three players show absolute focus and sheer enjoyment (the pianist is the indefatigable John Lenehan). The trio appears to be a really substantial opus. One must wonder why Hyperion excluded it from their invaluable edition. It certainly merits the sublime performance it receives here, and Toccata’s vivid sonics. In its ambition and originality, the trio alone justifies the price of the disc.
Yet Simpson’s quintet for clarinet, bass clarinet and three double basses proves to be another gem. […] Even so, the colours unveiled in the quintet’s original guise are often ravishing, not least in the unprecedented sounds of the opening bars which feature the three basses in their highest register. […] The performance, by what I imagine is a scratch ensemble, seems immaculate. The recording is appropriately atmospheric.
All serious Simpsonites will want this terrific disc. Matthew Taylor’s informed note is a model of concision and clarity, although most of the booklet is devoted to artist biographies –a lot of artists are involved here! Massive kudos to Martin Anderson for facilitating this project, and to all of the musicians for sharing this wonderful music. Volume 2 cannot arrive quickly enough!’
—Richard Hanlon, MusicWeb International
Gramophone :
‘The strongest work without a doubt, however, is the Trio, also boasting some fascinating sonorities, given a taut performance by a dream team of Emma Johnson, Raphael Wallfisch and John Lenehan. Why did Hyperion omit this cracking work? […] terrific performances and fine sound […] Recommended.’
—Guy Rickards, Gramophone