This is a most engaging programme of 18 varied pieces performed with power
and sensitivity by Janine Sowden. The music is described as Free Rambles
dished up by Percy Grainger and that signals that you should expect the
unexpected. Bach’s great organ work, the Toccata and Fugue in D minor
receives the Grainger treatment and is served up in the composer’s unique
flamboyant style. There is then a delightful meander through the ‘Last
love duet from (Richard Strauss’s) Der Rosenkavalier.’
Grainger arranges his tour so that we may anticipate wedding bells
for Sophie and Octavian as well as being reminded of the Presentation of
the Rose from Act II of the opera. Tchaikowsky gets the Grainger treatment
too with a humorous take on his Flower Waltz, so too does Elgar with a
surprisingly straight rendition of Nimrod from the ‘Enigma’ Variations.
Additionally there are arrangements of Grainger’s own compositions
including: Colonial Song and Country Gardens. Of interest to film music fans
will be the inclusion of Grainger’s idea of three Gershwin mumbers:
‘Love walked in’; ‘Embraceable You’ and ‘The man
I love.’
Recommended
Reviewer
Ian Lace
Janine Sowden (piano).
