Roger Sacheverell Coke's album, Coke: 24 Preludes & 15 Variations & Finale, is a masterful showcase of the composer's skill and artistry. Released on 25 March 2016 by SOMM Recordings, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights, spanning 1 hour and 17 minutes of exquisite piano music.
The album is divided into two main sections: the Preludes, Op. 33 and Op. 34, and the 15 Variations & Finale, Op. 37. The Preludes, with their diverse range of tempos and moods, demonstrate Coke's ability to craft intricate and expressive pieces that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. From the passionate Appassionato of No. 1 to the lively Vivace of No. 10, each prelude offers a unique glimpse into the composer's creative vision.
The 15 Variations & Finale, Op. 37, is a tour de force of compositional ingenuity, with Coke taking a simple theme and transforming it into a rich tapestry of sound. Each variation is a masterclass in contrast and surprise, ranging from the poignant Lento assai, doloroso of Variation 3 to the exuberant Allegro molto energico of Variation 10. The Finale, with its return to the theme, brings the album full circle, leaving the listener with a sense of satisfaction and wonder.
Throughout the album, Roger Sacheverell Coke's music is characterised by its depth, nuance, and emotional intensity. This is an album that will reward repeated listening, as the listener uncovers new layers of meaning and beauty in the music. With its impeccable production and thoughtful presentation, Coke: 24 Preludes & 15 Variations & Finale is a must-have for fans of piano music and a testament to the enduring power of Roger Sacheverell Coke's compositions.
2016 SOMM Recordings2016 SOMM Recordings
About Roger Sacheverell Coke
Roger Sacheverell Coke, born into an ancient Derbyshire family in 1912, was an English composer and pianist whose life was marked by a deep connection to music and a rich heritage. Orphaned at a young age when his father, an officer in the Irish Guards, was killed in the Battle of Ypres, Coke inherited the family estate of Brookhill Hall and was raised by his mother, Dorothy. His musical journey began at Eton College, where he was inspired by the playing of Benno Moiseiwitsch and started composing compulsively, even sneaking compositions under the bedclothes after lights out.
Coke's musical education was extensive, studying composition with Alan Bush, theory with J. Frederick Staton, and piano with Mabel Lander, a pupil of Leschetizky. His musical influences were deeply rooted in the Romantic tradition, particularly the works of Rachmaninoff, and he showed little affinity for the avant-garde music of his time or the works of his British contemporary, Benjamin Britten.
Throughout his life, Coke composed prolifically, leaving behind a body of work that includes piano concertos and cello sonatas, among other pieces. His music, though not widely known during his lifetime, has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years, with recordings of his works by artists such as Simon Callaghan. Coke's compositions offer a unique blend of Romantic sensibilities and personal expression, providing a fascinating glimpse into the mind of this talented and enigmatic composer.
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