Sir Donald Tovey: Chamber Music, Volume Two
The exploration of Sir Donald Tovey’s music on Toccata Classics continues apace with two highly contrasted works: the bright, Classically oriented Variations on a Theme by Gluck, Op. 28, for flute and string quartet written in 1913 and the Piano Quintet from thirteen years earlier – an expansive, Brahmsian work of symphonic scale: it is almost an hour in length.
Ormesby Ensemble
Sarah Brooke, flute (Tracks 1–7)
Robert Atchison, violin
Jacqueline Hartley, violin
Bill Hawkes, viola
David Jones, cello
Olga Dudnik, piano (Tracks 8–11)
Listen To This Recording:
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Variations on a Theme by Gluck, Op. 28, for flute and string quartet (1913)
- Tema: Andante espressivo alla siciliana; non troppo lento
- Var. 1 —
- Var. 2 —
- Var. 3: Larghetto pesante e maestoso
- Var. 4: Allegro agitato ma non troppo presto
- Var. 5: Adagio sostenuto
- Var. 6: Andante come tema, ma un poco meno mosso
- I Allegro maestoso
- II Allegro moderato, un poco giocoso e teneramente
- III Largo appassionato
- IV Allegro largamente
Piano Quintet in C, Op. 6 (1900)*
First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘I do really like this work [Variations on a theme by Gluck], it is well worth getting to know as there is much of interest and the playing is superb. The voicing and interplay between the flautist Sarah Brooke and the members of the string quartet is spot on and the music contains much of interest. […]
As might be expected from a virtuoso pianist-composer, the pianist has some considerable demands made on him/her and Olga Dudnik copes extremely well with these at all times. Her playing in the slower sections is ravishing and the whole ensemble works together superbly. […] Overall, this is a fascinating work [Piano Quintet], which I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. It is full of complexity and some very assured writing by a composer who really knew what he was doing and deserves to be better known and appreciated, other than just as an essayist. […]
In summary, there is some really excellent chamber music here – couple this fact with the outstanding playing by the Ormesby Ensemble, the first-rate and extensive liner notes and the lovely clear recording in which all the details are present and correct and Toccata Classics have created another winner. I shall continue to enjoy this disc for many listens to come and I am really looking forward to volume 3.’
—Jonathan Welsh, MusicWeb International
British Music Society :
‘This is a welcome contribution to a growing evaluation of British chamber music at the end of the long 19th century. The CD comes with copious liner notes by Peter Shore. One would perhaps have liked a little more space between the tracks, but this this is a small price to pay for so much interesting music.’
—Geoff Thomason, British Music Society
Art Music Lounge :
‘No question about it, [the Variations on a Theme by Gluck ] is a brilliant piece of music, and the Ormesby Ensemble plays it with love and enthusiasm. […]
Not too surprisingly, this complex piece [Piano quintet] is played with both warmth and clarity by the Ormesby Ensemble. I consider their work here, in these scores, exemplary for Tovey’s unique musical mind. […]
So there is a quick survey of at least some of the music of Donald Francis Tovey. The Toccata CD is highly recommended both for the quality of the music and the high quality of the performances.’
—Lynn René Bayley, Art Music Lounge