Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of chamber music with John Turner's "The Nostalgic Recorder," a captivating album released on December 29, 2016, under ASC Records. This collection of 32 tracks, spanning a total of 1 hour and 12 minutes, showcases the virtuosity of John Turner and the Manchester Chamber Ensemble, offering a rich tapestry of contemporary English compositions.
The album opens with the intricate "Methuselah Dances," a five-part suite that highlights Turner's mastery of the recorder. Each movement, from the lively "Farandole" to the contemplative "Air," demonstrates the ensemble's dynamic range and technical prowess. The album also features a poignant "Fantasia on John Dowland's 'Flow My Tears,'" a nod to the Renaissance composer that blends historical and modern elements seamlessly.
Turner's virtuosity shines in pieces like "Elegy for My Lost Friends" and "Fred's Blue Ginger Staircase Music," where he navigates complex passages with ease, showcasing the recorder's versatility. The "River Dances" suite, with its vivid imagery and rhythmic diversity, is a standout, taking listeners through a journey of pastoral and urban landscapes.
The album concludes with "From Castle Hill (Musical Sketches of Tenby)," a series of evocative sketches that paint a vivid picture of the Welsh town. Each piece, from the serene "Prelude (Tenby Wakes)" to the lively "Dance (Over the Sea)," captures the essence of the location, making it a fitting finale to this remarkable collection.
"The Nostalgic Recorder" is a testament to John Turner's significant contributions to contemporary chamber music, offering a blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rewarding listening experience.
2015 Prima Facie2015 Prima Facie
Tracks
Methuselah Dances: I. FarandoleAntony Hopkins, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Methuselah Dances: II. SarabandeAntony Hopkins, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Methuselah Dances: III. AirAntony Hopkins, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Methuselah Dances: IV. Wilman's GroundAntony Hopkins, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Methuselah Dances: V. FarandoleAntony Hopkins, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Fantasia on John Dowlands "Flow My Tears"Peter Hope, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
AnimaAlan Brown, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Elegy for My Lost FriendsOwen Swindale, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Fred's Blue Ginger Staircase Music, Op. 72a: I. Waltz in Green ChiffonDavid Ellis, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Fred's Blue Ginger Staircase Music, Op. 72a: II. Steps in BlueDavid Ellis, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Fred's Blue Ginger Staircase Music, Op. 72a: III. Escalation in RedDavid Ellis, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
DancE-a-Triple-RoundAnthony Gilbert, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Meditation on a Norfolk BalladJohn McCabe, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
CapriccioPhilip Wood, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: I. PrologueMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: II. Castle MillMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: III. Dunham TownMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: IV. Kenworthy's MillMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: V. Sunbank WoodMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: VI. Ashley MillMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: VII. Pigley StairsMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: VIII. Ross MillMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: VIV. The Swan with Two NicksMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
River Dances: X. EpilogueMartin Ellerby, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
From Castle Hill (Musical Sketches of Tenby), Prelude (Tenby Wakes)Andrew Cusworth, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Fugue (From the Town)Andrew Cusworth, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Dance (Over the Sea)Andrew Cusworth, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
Nocturne (Nightfall Across the Sands)Andrew Cusworth, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
City Square, West StreetGeoffrey Poole, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
South StreetGeoffrey Poole, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
East StreetGeoffrey Poole, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
North StreetGeoffrey Poole, John Turner, The Manchester Chamber Ensemble
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