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Available From: 01 August 2007 |
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A fellow countryman of John Field’s, Míceál O’Rourke performs this 2-CD recital with intelligence and taste, much of the repertoire not otherwise available. A large amount of the music has the quiet charm one associates with the work of this delightful early-eighteenth-century virtuoso Irish pianist and composer, and the collection includes all four surviving sonatas, complemented with a generous miscellany of rarely recorded or performed miniatures.
Field was born a dozen years after Beethoven and these delightful pieces clearly show Beethoven’s influence, as well as more than a hint of Mozart and Haydn. Nonetheless, they have a character of their own, especially in the innovative use of Irish folk tunes. For those who like piano music of the early nineteenth century, this unusual repertoire will constitute a most enjoyable discovery. It makes an ideal introduction to Field’s music as O’Rourke’s stylish performances do full justice to the lovely melodies and general charm of the works. |
Reviews
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Quotes from the original release:
O’Rourke gives witty, stylish and very proficient performances of these sonatas
Cincinnati Enquirer
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O’Rourke is as sympathetic and sensitive an advocate of these rarities as one could wish for.
Penguin Guide
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O’Rourke’s great weight and expressiveness seem more appropriate and make one wonder why Field’s music isn’t more often heard in the concert hall.
Classic CD
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Field’s impeccably classical sonatas do not plumb great depths, but are consistently engaging in Miceál O’Rourke’s hands. The gathering of shorter pieces offers great variety.
BBC Music Magazine
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The recording is a model of authentic keyboard sound and O’Rourke’s playing is a model of empathy with the composer and the music.
Fanfare
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Miceal O’Rourke is hardly a well-known pianist, but he obviously has a real affinity for John Field’s style. His playing is slower than many others. He gives them a relaxed almost dreamy touch that fits them very well… these are really first-class piano recordings.
American Record Guide
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Miceal O’Rourke is hardly a well-known pianist, but he obviously has a real affinity for John Field’s style. His playing is slower than many others. He gives them a relaxed almost dreamy touch that fits them very well… these are really first-class piano recordings.
American Record Guide
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