Romantic Discoveries Recordings

Piano Music of Sir Frederic Cowen (1852-1935)

John Kersey, piano

RDR CD18

Total time: 61 mins 14 secs

1) La Coquette – Scherzo (1873) (4’57”)

2) Serenade (1869) (6’58”)

3) Rondo à la Turque (1870) (5’33”)

4) Twilight Reveries (no 1) (1869) (6’48”)

5) Fairy Flowers, Morceau de Salon (1869) (7’01”)

6) Berceuse, op 2 (6’51”)

The Language of the Flowers: suite (1880)

7. Daisy (Innocence) (2’48”);

8. Lilac (First Emotions of Love) (4’18”);

9. Fern (Fascination) (3’18”);

10. Columbine (Folly) (2’08”);

11. Yellow Jasmine (Elegance and Grace) (3’50);

12. Lily of the Valley (Return of Happiness) (6’18”)

Frederic Hymen Cowen (whose name was anglicised from Cohen) was known as “the English Schubert” in recognition of his contribution to English song. Also a composer of symphonic music, his work inhabits the world of fantasy and charm that characterises the high art of the Edwardian period. Born in Jamaica in 1852, he studied piano under Benedict, composition under Goss, and pursued further studies in Leipzig under Moscheles, Reinecke and others. After early success as a pianist, his subsequent career centred on composition and conducting, becoming principal conductor of the London Philharmonic, Hallé and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras.. He received doctorates from Cambridge and Edinburgh, and was knighted in 1911. In 1918 he received a professorship at the Guildhall School of Music. The 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica says “Cowen is never so happy as when treating of fantastic or fairy subjects”, and this may be seen clearly in the present selection of his piano music (the first such on disc). Elegant, melodically refined and not without some experimental moments, it is utterly of its time and a thoroughgoing pleasure.