Search - York Bowen, Bengt Forsberg :: York Bowen: Viola Sonatas No. 1 & No. 2; Phantasy for Viola & Piano

Wonderful composer, ok realization

minacciosa | Boston, MA | 08/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"York Bowen is a real discovery; a composer that lived into the 60's, yet wrote music of the utmost melodic and emotional appeal. Bowen's music is definitely not that of an epigone, but of a creator possesed of discipline as well as fire. The two sonatas are both early works that exhibit most of the characteristics of Bowen's mature style, but it is with the Phantasy that we first encounter the true Bowen. His hallmark is an endless inventiveness in harmony that makes everything he touches seem fresh and new, no mean task when working in a tonal framework into the late 20th century. Bowen also has a penchant for virtuosity, and these viola works each exemplify that, their being taxing in the utmost.



The violist is ok. he has good fingers but a tendency to press the bow, producing a raspy sound in bravura moments. This soloist also has an annoying affinity for questionable rubato inflections, which impede the natural flow of Bowen's melismas. The pianist is excellent.



From this point on in Bowen's career he just got better and better, so if you like this you will certainly like every other Bowen cd there is available to be had. The new Chandos recording of his last piano sonata is stupendous. So don't hesitate! get this, get them all. Bowen is an absolute master."