Edward Cowie: 24 Preludes for Piano
Edward Cowie is considered by many to be the greatest living composer directly inspired by the Natural World. His post-impressionist works, from the gigantic orchestral Leviathan (his first Proms commission) to his cycles of Bird Portraits and other chamber and instrumental pieces are drawing gasps of admiration from critics and audiences alike.
Originally recorded for the University of Hertfordshire’s UHR label, this recording has been restored to the catalogue as part of the quickly-growing Cowie collection on Métier Records. The composer feels strongly that the individual works in the Bach ‘48’ and Debussy’s Préludes(for example) were a series of linked parts creating a greater whole. In his own ‘24’ Cowie has taken that principle but expressed it in his unique way – music that is impressionist, pictorial, descriptive and above all evocative… of place, time, flora and fauna – experiences of both natural and man-made phenomena. The Preludes follow the ‘Bach cycle of keys’ but at the same time are grouped into four books representing the ancient ‘Four Elements’.
Philip Mead studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has had a widely successful career, performing and broadcasting internationally. He had his own series on BBC Radio 3 exploring hidden pathways in piano music. A champion of contemporary composers, he founded the British Contemporary Piano Competition in 1988. He has been awarded honorary doctorates at the London College of Music and the Royal Academy and is a visiting professor of the University of Hertfordshire.
On its original release, this recording was given excellent reviews:
“Philip Mead’s consummate skill and understanding is evident in every bar.” — International Record Review Magazine
Track Listing
- I. O Brook (Devon, England) in C major (3:16)
- II. Kiama Blowhole (NSW, Australia) in C minor (2:50)
- III. Cancleave (Cornwall, England) in G major (3:19)
- IV. River Dronne (Dordogne, France) in G minor (1:47)
- V. St Maxime Beach (Provence, France) in D major (3:30)
- VI. Tennessee River (Tennessee, USA) in D minor (4:38)
- I. Boscastle (Cornwall, England, gale) in A major (2:06)
- II. Hay Plains Twisters (NSW, Australia) in A minor (2:48)
- III. 35,000 feet (Straits of Java) in E major (6:41)
- IV. Tapada (Portugal, thermal raptors) in E minor (2:18)
- V. Lake Eacham (Queensland, Australia, night breezes) in B major (3:23)
- VI. Dartington Gardens (Devon, England, autumn leaf-fall) in B minor (4:14)
- I. Uluru (Australia) in F sharp major (3:29)
- II. Crackington Haven (Cornwall, England) in F sharp minor (1:21)
- III. Rosedale (Yorkshire, England) in C sharp major (3:07)
- IV. Glencoe (Scotland)in C sharp minor (3:25)
- V. Brecon Beacons (Wales) in A flat major (1:17)
- VI. Shenandoah Valley (Virginia, USA) in A flat minor (4:19)
- I. Sunrise (Loch Carron, Scotland) in E flat major (2:19)
- II. Bush Fires (Bluewater, N. Queensland, Australia) in E flat minor (1:00)
- III. Home Fire (Garlinge Greem, Kent, England) in B flat major (1:56)
- IV. Blast Furnaces at Port Kebla Steel Works (Australia) in B flat minor (3:14)
- V. New Year Fireworks (Kassel, Germany) in F major (1:34)
- VI. Sunset (Dartmoor, Devon, England) in F minor (2:57)
Book 1 (Water)
Book 2 (Air)
Book 3 (Earth)
Book 4 (Fire)
Reviews
“What holds the listener’s attention for the full set is the variety of mood and character, these are quite lovely piano pieces. The sound here is natural and very clean. Mead, for whom the music was composed, plays with complete identification and brilliant technique. This CD is warmly recommended.
” —Henry Fogel
“The 24 Preludes are dedicated to the present soloist, Philip Mead, who gives a stunning performance. They are a splendid addition to the cycles of Preludes of Bach, Chopin, Debussy and Messiaen. I have come to expect superlative liner notes with Edward Cowie’s recordings. This disc is no exception. There is the composer’s considerable essay, and some important “Personal Thoughts on the Cowie Preludes” by the soloist, Philip Mead. Of interest are the biographical notes on the composer and the pianist. The added value of the booklet is the artwork. The cover features a remarkable painting by Heather Cowie. All this material contributes to a satisfying and rewarding experience.
” —John France
“These Preludes take us on a Bach inspired musical journey, but also to so many colourful places round the world and the many things Cowie witnessed there. His imaginative gift is unparalleled, while with his stunningly wide ranging variety of dynamics, tempi, intensity, pedal sustain or staccato, Philip Mead achieves technical brilliance.
” —Alan Cooper
“An outstanding recording. [Cowie] regards himself as a pictorial ‘composer of evocations’, a description fully justified by these wonderful Preludes.
” —Andy Hamilton
“Cowie has a strong Impressionist streak in this music but the coloristic elements of the music are everywhere present. Mead certainly plays everything quite adeptly, bringing out contrasts among the works to good effect; and the music is well-made, well-thought-out, and colorful – in a variety of tones, both visual and auditory – from start to finish.
” —Mark J, Estren
“Pure Cowie, and extraordinary Cowie at that. This is first-rate music, engaging the listener and always surprising him or her with the progression of his musical mind. I really enjoyed this album. The music is both complex and intimate, which sucks you in and forces you to pay attention to everything Cowie is doing.
” —Lynn René Bayley
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