Philip Martin - Once More with Feeling: A Selection of Favourite Piano Encores (2017)

This delightful disc of favourite – and occasionally unfamiliar – piano music played by pianist Philip Martin fulfils several functions: it is, first and foremost, a collection of ‘personal choice’ encore pieces, some of which are amongst the world’s favourite piano music, with others coming into the unjustly neglected genre, all of which have a special affection in Philip’s comprehensive repertoire. Secondly, we encounter the art of this much-admired Irish musician as a composer, whose own music possesses an individuality and immediacy of appeal that confirms his qualities as a musical communicator to his audience. And finally (although it is not ‘final’!), this exceptionally well-filled CD is released as Philip Martin prepares coincidentally to celebrate his 70th birthday and 50 years in the music profession with a wide-ranging selection that indicates the range and artistry of this truly international musician.

Philip was born in Dublin but soon made his mark internationally, establishing and cementing a reputation notable for his championship of several further unjustly neglected works, amongst them the Samuel Barber Piano Concerto – of which Philip gave both the French and Irish premieres – and Britten’s Diversions on a Theme for piano left hand and orchestra. Philip’s appearances in France have reinforced his knowledge, understanding and love for French piano music; it was with Britten’s masterpiece that Philip made his much-praised Proms debut in 1985 at the Royal Albert Hall with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, being invited back two years later to play Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. This enjoyable disc is sure to win many more friends for this well-loved artist.

TRACKLIST

01. 2 Arabesques, L. 66: No. 1 in E Major
02. 10 Pièces pittoresques: No. 10, Scherzo-valse
03. Cantos de España, Op. 232: No. 4, Córdoba
04. The Man I Love (From "Lady, Be Good!") [Version for Piano]
05. I Got Rhythm (From "Girl Crazy") [Version for Piano]
06. Stances à Madame de Pompadour
07. 2 Jazz Pieces: No. 1, Blues
08. 2 Jazz Pieces: No. 2, Boogie Woogie
09. Nocturne No. 6 in D-Flat Major, Op. 63
10. Lyric Pieces, Op. 43: No. 1, Butterfly
11. Lyric Pieces, Op. 43: No. 6, To Spring
12. Night Piece for Julia
13. New York Nights
14. Gnossiennes: No. 3, Lent
15. Suite variée: VII. Ostinato ritmico
16. Solace (Mexican Serenade)
17. 6 Cuban Dances: No. 6, De Mil Amores
18. Oriental Sketch
19. Triakontameron: No. 1, Nocturnal Tangier
20. The Zodiac: No. 1, Pisces
21. The Zodiac: No. 2, Gemini
22. The Zodiac: No. 3, Scorpio
23. Waldszenen, Op. 82: No. 9, Abschied