Scott: Piano Concertos Nos 1 and 2; Early One Morning – John Ogdon, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Herrmann

‘Cyril Scott’s lush First Piano Concerto dates from 1913 and its extravagant style belongs to the pre-war era. Those for whom Scott’s name conjures memories of a place called Lotus Land might feel that its atmosphere is well expressed by that title. The colouring and orchestration are certainly exotic, even oriental; the celesta makes its mark in the “serene twilight brooding” of the slow movement. Ogdon and Herrmann make a coherent whole out of Scott’s essentially rhapsodical piece. The Second Concerto dates from Scott’s later years, and although it has undoubted atmosphere, its shifting moods and rhapsodic chromaticism may not suit all tastes. The spirit of Delius is certainly evoked in this work, and is even more apparent in the poem Early One Morning... But for all one’s reservations, Scott’s music has a haunting quality which makes one want to return to it. The composer is splendidly served by his performers here who create a feeling of spontaneity... The recording from the mid-1970s is quite excellent...’

The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music