English composer and pianist York Bowen made his first record for the giga-obscure Marathon label in 1915, but most of his activity as a recording artist is centered between 1923 and 1927 for English Vocalion, the same firm home to his friend, violist Lionel Tertis. When Vocalion reorganized, Bowen did not remain on the roster. Bowen made a final recording of his own compositions only in 1961 for the Lyrita label, and all but this last studio session is included on APR's York Bowen: The Complete Solo 78-rpm Recordings. ...
Read More
English composer and pianist York Bowen made his first record for the giga-obscure Marathon label in 1915, but most of his activity as a recording artist is centered between 1923 and 1927 for English Vocalion, the same firm home to his friend, violist Lionel Tertis. When Vocalion reorganized, Bowen did not remain on the roster. Bowen made a final recording of his own compositions only in 1961 for the Lyrita label, and all but this last studio session is included on APR's York Bowen: The Complete Solo 78-rpm Recordings. Although complaints about his technique may be located in English concert reviews in the mid-'20s -- exactly the period represented on these discs -- the recordings make obvious that Bowen was a phenomenal pianist with technique to burn, a light touch, and excellent taste, though at times there is some measure of rigidity to his phrasing, such as in his rendering of Debussy's Jardins sous la pluie.While Bowen fanciers will regard this as a boon and even those not so inclined can...
Read Less
