Herbert Howells Piano Music Vol. 2

This is the second volume in Matthew Schellhorn’s survey of Herbert Howells’ music for piano. The first (8.571382), released in July 2020, received a very warm critical reception, with reviews highlighting both the significance of Howells’ output and the sensitivity of Matthew Schellhorn’s interpretations:

‘This revelatory recording is one of the most refreshing discs I have heard for some time.’ (International Piano)

‘Boasting exemplary production values, this superbly performed survey constitutes a copiously rewarding voyage of discovery.’ (Gramophone)

‘Musically delightful and historically significant, this is an excellent disc in every respect.’ (MusicWeb International)

‘Matthew Schellhorn proves a most sympathetic interpreter.’ (BBC Music Magazine)


Includes World Premiere Recordings
8.571383

In the first volume of this series (Naxos 8.571382), Matthew Schellhorn surveyed six decades of Herbert Howells’ compositions for the piano. This second volume reprises the journey, tracing the composer’s stylistic development from the charming poetic miniatures of his youth through to the resonant modal quirkiness of his later dances. The survey includes a centrally important work, the Sonatina of 1971, performed here in Schellhorn’s own edition compiled from the manuscript sources, which includes variants not heard for half a century.

Listen to an extract from Comme le cerf soupire…
About the Artist
Pianist Matthew Schellhorn is a prominent performer of new music, having given over 140 premieres and commissioned many solo and chamber works. In addition to his work on the concert platform, Schellhorn is a passionate educator and communicator, giving regular masterclasses and workshops in the UK and abroad. He is a member of the faculty of music at the University of Cambridge, and is currently undertaking research at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
More albums of music by Herbert Howells
8.573913
★★★★
★★★★
‘The playing is heartfelt, and the recorded sound excellent. Enthusiastically recommended.’
Fanfare
8.557188
‘ … a superb disc, compelling in every way and vividly recorded.’
Penguin Guide
8.570352
Hymnus paradisi
Sir Patrick Spens

Rutter • Gilchrist • Williams • The Bach Choir • Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra • Hill
‘David Hill directs a superb version of Howells’s Hymnus Paradisi with excellent soloists, choir and orchestra.’
Penguin Guide
8.554659
Requiem • Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing
and other choral works

Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge • Robinson • Farrington
‘ … seductive performances from the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge that match and almost surpass any previous versions.’
Penguin Guide


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