Full marks to Dunelm
Records for producing a third CD of
another excellent piano recital in the
Fifth Chetham’s International Summer
School and Festival for Pianists. The
recital recorded here was given by Martin
Roscoe another of our leading pianists
with a fine reputation. Peter Lyons
prepared the Steinway D piano.
The great value of
this enterprising series of CDs is that
it brings these splendid performances
to far more people than could attend
the recitals.
Roscoe’s performance
of Chopin’s Ballade No.1 in G minor,
Op. 23 (1835) is outstanding, bringing
out the many contrasts to full effect,
from great delicacy to superb eruptions
in the powerful passages. There is much
sensitivity, beauty of sound, effective
rubato which is fully in control and
at the service of the music. A memorably
poetic interpretation.
It is good to have
here a 21st century Ballade
to follow that of Chopin, and the CD
booklet quotes Martin Roscoe’s helpful
comments on Robert Keeley’s work of
2001, indicating similarities and differences
between the two works. I had not heard
this before but found it an immediately
compelling, unified work here given
a convincing, brilliant performance.
The many contrasts between flowing and
florid music are brought out, sometimes
with splendid humour. After a powerful
climax comes a cleverly worked quiet
ending.
Schumann’s Kreisleriana
(8 fantasies), Op.16 (1838) comes over
most effectively again with Martin Roscoe
in full command of the amazing contrasts
which are such an important characteristic
of this work ranging from calm reflective
playing to vigorous power, along with
humour at times. The bass lines in some
of the pieces are well projected whilst
the unusual ending is given a fine interpretation.
The recorded sound
of the piano, and ambience, are excellent;
I feel as though I am sitting in the
audience ... from which no sound emanates
to distract the listener. The CD booklet
contains useful notes and some photographs.
Very highly recommended.
Ian Milnes
Martin Roscoe (piano) 
