York Bowen: Piano Music - Preludes, Sonata No. 5, Romances, etc.

This 1996 album of solo piano music by the English composer York Bowen helped to cement Stephen Hough’s reputation as a champion of exciting byways of the piano repertoire. Bowen was a brilliant pianist and widely considered one of the finest English composers of the early 20th century, although his music faded from view as musical fashions changed. This album has played a key part in its revival. Bowen’s personal style hints at Rachmaninoff, and his piano writing is often thrillingly virtuosic. Thoroughly at home in the idiom, Hough plays a representative overview of Bowen’s output with rapt affection and imperious panache, including a selection of the 24 Preludes, Op. 102 and No. 5 of Bowen’s six piano sonatas. Perhaps most exciting of all is the Toccata, Op. 155, a late work full of propulsive rhythmic drive. If you’re new to the music of York Bowen, this is the perfect place to start.