Search - Eric Parkin :: John Ireland: Piano Works, Vol. 2

DIGRESSIONS (ON): IRELAND PIANO MUSIC (COMPLETE) (PART 2)

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 08/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eric Parkin's second CD (1993) continues his fabulous journey through the complete piano works of John Ireland (1879-1962). Captivated as I was by his first installment [SEE ABOVE my exposition regarding Volume 1], I could hardly wait for the next. And who better to play these works than a former student of the composer, himself, and an artist who had already recorded a complete Ireland series (the very first in stereo) on three English Lyrita LPs from the 70s? Nobody, actually. And as it turns out, Volume 2 is every bit as wonderful, if not more so, than its predecessor!



As with all Ireland's piano music, there lies beneath a curiously moving nostalgia, rather like a yearning, subtle melancholy, a feeling that he is perpetually peering back to more pastoral, poetic times, and in today's high tech world, who isn't? And it is just THIS that gives his music that "inner glow," that unmistakably warm and comforting ambience that becomes absolutely addictive.



IN THOSE DAYS (comp. date unknown--- published in 1961), comprised of "Daydream" and "Meridian," which begins the CD, is case-in-point. And, like the LONDON PIECES (1917-20) that follow, are all works, tone paintings, filled with deep feelings of remembrance, lyrical sensitivity and simple melodic beauty. "Chelsea Reach," the first of the three LONDON PIECES, is particularly haunting in its endearing wistfulness.



LEAVES FROM A CHILD'S SKETCHBOOK (comp. date not indicated), lasting a mere four minutes, are three quite delightful Schumannesque diversions--- Schumann via Ireland, that is.



THE DARKENED VALLEY (1921) is a nocturnal introspection of the most delicate melancholy and, fascinatingly enough, eerily Chopinesque. Once heard, it is a work not easily forgotten.



Contrasted with the two other "sets" [TWO PIECES (1921): "For Remembrance," a beauty!, and "Amberly Wild Brooks"; GREENWAYS (1938): "The Cherry Tree," "Cypress," and "The Palm and May"], the Ravel-like EQUINOX (1922) and PRELUDE IN E-FLAT (1924), works that are lush, melodic Ireland, the more "extended" SONATINA (1926/27), whose second movement, Quasi lento, is as ominous and penetratingly foreboding as Ireland gets, and the Scriabinesque nine minute BALLADE (1929), a piece of startling originality, depth and intensity of mood, are simply astounding revelations. This is Ireland at his most profound.



As day follows night, so must Volume 2 follow Volume 1, especially in its overall perspective of Ireland's musical development. And, naturally, if you own Volume 1, you will need no prodding to pursue this release! These are masterpieces by a master craftsman--- and not to be missed.



[Running time: 72:01]"

It's really worth it

Jasmine C. | TK, Hong Kong | 06/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ireland's lyric music writing is absolutely spellbound. I also noticed that he was one of Benjamin Britten's composing teachers. No wonder their music is equally indulging! This album features 'London Pieces' and 'Greenways' which were the only pieces i knew before listening to it. 'London Pieces' gives me lovely memories as I played it in an Anglican Abbey in England when i was 14. It was nice to discover that there were many chords and melodies which caught my breath like those pieces i mentioned. I also have to mention that Parkin has wonderful techniques and musicality. Mostly importantly, he does not rush, when compared to other albums of the same pieces by other pianists. It really is a worthy buy! I highly recommend it!"