Elgar's 150 th Anniversary 2007

Norris's deep study of Elgar makes him the only pianist who can offer

Elgar's Piano Concerto (realized Walker) Dutton CDLX 7148

‘…most moving … dashing conviction exhibited by David Owen Norris.' Gramophone

‘ a must-have disc…. brilliantly and delightfully played…' International Record Review

The unpublished full version of Elgar's Concert Allegro Elgar Editions EECD002

‘…having heard Norris's performance I simply can't get over how much more impressive it sounds than on the rare occasions I've heard it before.' BBC Music Magazine

Elgar's recorded Improvisations of 1929 (played by ear) Elgar Editions EECD002

‘…a wonderful example of practical musicology by a pianist totally in sympathy with his subject.' British Music Society News

EECD002 includes all Elgar's original music for piano solo.

As well as including Elgar's music in general recitals, Norris presents the programme Elgar's Life at the Piano , where he talks about his unique researches and plays the highlights of the repertoire, including the Improvisations and the Concert Allegro. The programme has been very successful in Vancouver, at Glasgow University, in Eastbourne and at the Elgar Birthplace. This autumn it will be given at the RNCM in Manchester and in Edinburgh.

 

A sesquicentennial special!

Elgar was born in 1857. His reputation has grown enormously over the last twenty years, and he is now perceived both at home and in Europe and America, as an intriguing and complex composer of towering stature.

Everyone knows and loves his Pomp & Circumstance , his Salut d'amour . And everyone knows there's a deeper side to him, the side of the Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius . But, through a series of historical accidents, almost no-one knows how this fascinating character expressed himself in piano music and song.

Amanda Pitt, soprano

David Owen Norris, 1887 Pleyel Grand Piano (See Picture Gallery and Reviews )

Programme

*=piano solos

Salut d'amour*

Waltz : Enina *

Presto*

Sea Pictures

(the accompaniment in Elgar's own piano arrangement)

Sea Slumber Song

In Haven (Capri)

Sabbath Morning at Sea

Where Corals Lie

The Swimmer

Skizze *

In Smyrna*

Come, Gentle Night

Speak, Music

O soft was the song

Concert Allegro*

****

Five Improvisations*

There are seven that pull the thread

In Moonlight

After

The Wind at Dawn