Hugh Wood: Chamber Music
Hugh Wood, born in Lancashire in 1932, is one of Britain's most distinguished composers, his music marrying expressionist power and lyrical elegance. Although Wood has a number of large-scale pieces to his credit, he prefers the intimacy of chamber music and these six works ranging from his Op. 1, written in 1958, to Overture for Piano Trio of 2005 — expertly balance formal clarity, rigorous craftsmanship and a high charge of energy.
Paul Silverthorne, viola
Roger Heaton, clarinet
London Archduke Trio, piano trio
Nathaniel Vallois, violin
Gabriella Swallow, cello
Charles Wiffen, piano
Listen To This Recording:
- Overture for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 48 (2005) Energico
- Variations for Viola and Piano, Op. 1 (1958): Introduction – Declamando – Tema – Variation I: Giocoso – Variation II: Inquieto – Variation III: Furioso – Variation IV: Appassionato – Variation V: Capriccioso – Variation VI: Meditazione – Finale
- Paraphrase on ‘Bird of Paradise’ for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 26 (1983): Very slow
- Poem for violin and piano, Op. 35 (1993, rev. 1996): Largo
- I. Comodo
- II. Risoluto, fantastico
- III. Adagio
- I. Allegro appassionato
- II. Adagio molto calmo e mesto
- III. Vivace scherzando
Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Op. 40 (1997)
Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 24 (c. 1984)
International Record Review :
‘This release collates the greater part of his chamber music (outside of the string quartets) and reminds one how substantial Wood’s contribution to the medium has been, drawing on a lineage through Schoenberg to Brahms in its unwavering sense of purpose. With sound of a focus and overall perspective ideal as chamber music, and detailed booklet notes from Malcolm MacDonald as well as the composer, it can be well recommended. Hopefully the other chamber music will follow.’
—Richard Whitehouse, International Record Review
MusicWeb International :
‘At 82 he is now one of the UK’s most senior and respected composers, most of the country’s leading performers have tackled his music at some point. …This generously filled disc offers a creditable ‘carte de visite’ one might say for anyone making the case for English music of a more European stance. Each of these pieces is well worth getting to know. Each is superbly crafted and each is performed to the highest possible standard with sympathy and virtuosity. Well worth searching out.’
—Gary Higginson, MusicWeb International
Fanfare Magazine :
‘The works on this disc are all well constructed in his unique approach to chromaticism, and they are played most expressively […]
The sound from Toccata Classics is clear and presents each player in good stead. If you enjoy the music of the Second Viennese School, you will love this disc.’
—Maria Nockin, Fanfare Magazine, September/October 2013