John McCabe – Mountains: The ‘lost’ Australian recording
John McCabe (1939-2015) was renowned as both a pianist (a Haydn specialist and supporter of many contemporary composers) and as a composer of very fine music in several genres. In 1985 he visited EMI Studios in Sydney Australia to make this album of music by Australian and American composers. However, for several reasons it was put to one side and when the studio closed it was believed that all copies were lost. Last year a cassette copy was found, transferred and remastered. It is a wonderful collection of works, performed with McCabe’s usual dazzling virtuosity and deep musicality.
The album comprises works of differing styles best summarized as ‘post-modernist’ – individual, inspired, contemporary but not unfriendly to audiences; some are impressionist such as the title track by Peter Sculthorpe; jazz-inspired (Rochberg’s Carnival Music) and all are fine additions to McCabe’s recorded legacy.
Track Listing
- Peter Sculthorpe (1929-2014):
- Mountains (6:29) Wendy Hiscocks (b.1963):
- Toccata (3:01) David Maslanka (1943-2017):
- Piano Song (7:39) Don Banks (1923-1980):
- Pezzo Dramatico (4:58) Graeme Koehne (b.1956):
- Twilight Rain George Rochberg (1918-2005):
- Carnival Music - I. Fanfares and March (4:05)
- Carnival Music - II. Blues (4:57)
- Carnival Music - III. Largo doloroso (5:33)
- Carnival Music - IV. Sfumato (5:52)
- Carnival Music - V. Toccata-Rag (5:05( Barney Childs (1926-2000):
- Heaven to clear when day did close (7:44)
Reviews
“This disc has huge discographical and historical value. : The sound is way more than just acceptable; the piano has body, and one can relish McCabe’s artistry. This is a fabulous testament to the multiple talents of composer and pianist John McCabe.
” —Colin Clarke
“Something for everyone though people who like the technical side of the piano will probably like it most. The programme treads an uneasy line between a starker modern sound and something gentler.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“A remarkable collection of several finely thought pieces of pure artwork…seven truly pioneering and atmospheric piano solos. McCabe’s considerable virtuosic piano skills certainly meet the challenge presented by this impressive collection, which plunders some dramatic compositions.
” —Chris Bye
“The program is varied and includes works by composers not usually associated with piano music. Marvelously eclectic.
” —Rob Haskins
“This disc acts as a reminder of McCabe’s greatness as a pianist.
” —Colin Clarke
“Superb project… testament to McCabe’s wonderful pianistic artistry. In short, a marvellous, utterly compelling rediscovery.
” —Christopher Dingle
“A very able and keenly interpretive pianist…it is in a way a composer’s pianist we hear, for he approaches the music, every phrase, as if it were his own. And the works are each gems. A superior engagement with some very attractive modern piano music.
” —Grego Edwards
“A wonderful collection of works, performed with McCabe’s usual dazzling virtuosity and deep musicality… all are fine additions to McCabe’s recorded legacy.
” —John Pitt
“This is a disc with a great deal to commend it. The music is unfamiliar, but interesting, full of surprises and variety, and the fine piano playing is insightful and committed.
” —Geoff Pearce
“[A] fascinating CD…. The remastering is perfect. John McCabe’s wonderful performances of these works needs no advocate. He brings his usual technical skill, musicianship and immense understanding to all these diverse and ultimately approachable works.
” —John France
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