24 Preludes Op 37 (with Bliss - Piano Sonata)

MARBECKS STAFF PICK - BEST RECORDINGS 2008

This CD fulfils a long held ambition of Trevor Barnard who, following his pioneering recording of the Bliss Concerto in 1962, vowed someday to complete the double by recording the superb Sonata. Coupled with the amazing Preludes, these works deserve to be much better known. In early 2000 we re-issued that 1962 recording which Trevor made with the Philharmonia under Sir Malcolm Sargent.

"An outstanding CD...exceptionally vivid accounts of highly contrasted, yet equally forward-looking works" - Musical Opinion

"Unusual and welcome disc.. Barnard has an evident enthusiasm for both works...playing is full-bodied with generous pedal, a weighty tone and fine ability to control atmosphere and emotional temperatures"
Recording *** Performance**** - BBC Music Magazine

"The sympathetically elegant Trevor Barnard's your man…… this is indispensable, and you are best advised to pick it up sooner… Sound is transparently immediate".- Fanfare (USA)

"Collectors will recall the magnificent disc the Australian pianist, Trevor Barnard, made some years ago of the Bliss Piano Concerto . Here he gives a striking account of the Piano Sonata, the capricious nature of the score captured with playing of mercurial agility. The remainder of this generously filled disc contains a brilliant reading of Busoni's 24 Preludes, Barnard's crisp articulation bringing an admirable clarity to the most complex passages"
Recording **** Performance **** - Yorkshire Post