Malcolm Lipkin – Recollections
This album celebrates 50 years of the composing career of Malcolm Lipkin (1932-2017) and represents a fitting tribute to a long established and highly respected composer whose music at times was dismissed as old-fashioned for daring to employ real tunes; now it can be appreciated as thoroughly individual, proving that new music can be accessible without losing integrity. He produced a considerable collection of distinctive, finely crafted works in many genres, including two symphonies and an Oboe Concerto, six Sonatas and eight Nocturnes for piano, and chamber, vocal and choral pieces, several commissioned by leading performers.
Three tracks here (Clifford’s Tower, Pastorale and String Trio) were recorded in 1984 by the Nash Ensemble, then as now among the cream of chamber groups; issued by Hyperion in 1986 on vinyl only, these recordings have been excellently remastered from LP for this new issue. Adding to the mix are new recordings by premier instrumentalists each of whom is celebrated in their own field as a musician of the highest calibre. Lipkin’s music whether sombre or witty is never short of interest and innovation.
Track Listing
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Malcolm Lipkin (1932-2017)
- Prelude and Dance - I. Prelude: Comodo, grazioso (4:14)
- Prelude and Dance - II. Dance: Allegro molto (4:56)
- Naboth's Vineyard - I. Dialogue I (3:37)
- Naboth's Vineyard - II. Dialogue II (2:53)
- Naboth's Vineyard - III. Interlude (2:42)
- Naboth's Vineyard - IV. Dialogue III (2:06)
- Naboth's Vineyard - V. Dialogue IV (1:37)
- Interplay - I. Moderately flowing, dreamlike (5:20)
- Interplay - II. Very still (6:08)
- The Journey (2:58)
- Clifford's Tower (17:56)
- Pastorale (4:33)
- String Trio - I. Allegro con moto (8:16)
- String Trio - II. Allegretto capriccioso (3:32)
- String Trio - III. Canzona: Largo di molto (6:06)
- String Trio - IV. Moderato - Allegro (6:46)
Reviews
“Lipkin is no maverick— his music is original and rewarding. This is a great album—the string trio alone is worth the purchase.
” —Nathan Faro
“Delicious, and deliciously done… The performance [of Naboth’s Vineyard] is miraculous, graphic in its depictions and superbly alive. … [Interplay] is superbly effective and brilliantly realized by Turner and Trygstad … [Pastorale] is a deliciously evocative miniature in the English Pastoral tradition… a revealing portrait of a composer whose name should be better known; lovers of English music will not be disappointed.
” —Colin Clarke
“This collection of seven compositions spanning 50 years of creation is fabulous and respectful. The musicians all perform with thoughtful, precise musical detail. Lipkin’s works may be slightly old-fashioned but they are memorable.
” —Tiina Kiik
“I find his original eclecticism rather refreshing in its direct straightforward musical candor. The music has the bark and bite of harmonic Modernity and chromatic open-field forwardness without necessarily straying into complete atonality. The music has the bark and bite of harmonic Modernity and chromatic open-field forwardness without necessarily straying into complete atonality; the music convinces without belonging to a particular camp. A valuable look at an English figure of the 20th Century worthy of exploring.
”
“Five Stars: Malcolm Lipkin was a fine composer and this generously filled disc presents a rich selection from his chamber and instrumental output. This satisfying, carefully planned composer portrait is warmly recommended.
” —Paul Conway
“Exemplary performances throughout, and an excellent overall view of the composer’s distinctive style and attributes.
” —Nigel Bonham-Carter
“Incredibly well filled CD. Clifford’s Tower is surely Lipkin’s most powerful work. The pensive Pastoral casts a distinct spell. The String Trio is a very fine work and should be well known and played regularly.
” —Gary Higginson
“delicious, and deliciously done… The performance [of Naboth’s Vineyard] is miraculous, graphic in its depictions and superbly alive. … [Interplay] is superbly effective and brilliantly realized by Turner and Trygstad … [Pastorale] is a deliciously evocative miniature in the English Pastoral tradition… a revealing portrait of a composer whose name should be better known; lovers of English music will not be disappointed.
” —Colin Clarke
“I enjoyed this CD of varied and interesting music… enjoyable and rewarding. Lipkin’s Clifford’s Tower, which is written for wind quintet and string trio is a masterpiece. Naboths’ Tower is an incredible work. The String Trio never flags, interest is maintained, and stylistic and formal unity is satisfied and Pastorale is a beautiful piece that deserves to be well-known.
” —John France
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