|
|
|
Articles
A selection of articles about Erik Chisholm
|
| |
|
| The Piano Music of Erik Chisholm 1904 -1965 by John Purser | John Purser examines the pianistic output of Scottish composer Erik Chisholm
If there is one word that can be applied to Chisholm’s considerable output of piano music, it is ‘energy’. Even at its most sensual (and it can be very sensual), Chisholm’s music is always moving forward; and his rhythmic energy, often derived from Scottish dance forms, can be almost manic (Example 1). But the variety of his idiom is too great to summarise, and can only been hinted at here. There are the ‘E Praeterita’ Sonatinas, with their graceful homage to the 16th-century sources; the Straloch Suite, based on early 17th-century Scottish lute tunes; the subtle miniature Cameos, each of which leads us into a different world of sound. And then there is the dark virtuosity of the Nocturnes – Night Song of the Bards, which has been acknowledged by more than one reviewer as a masterpiece. Danny Driver, who is the soloist in Hyperion’s new release of the Chisholm piano concertos, writes: ‘It is clear from Chisholm’s piano writing that he knew the instrument intimately and that he himself possessed considerable pianistic abilities.’
| It is perhaps most revealing to start with Chisholm’s Scottish Airs for Children. There is a vast repertoire of piano music designed for children, much of which does little to stimulate pianism, never mind musicianship.
Chisholm’s Scottish Airs for Children are of a different order, all drawn from Patrick MacDonald’s A Collection of Highland Vocal Airs, published in 1784. Chisholm’s settings are enhanced rather than diminished by the directness and simplicity of treatment required for children. The writing for the left hand is particularly good, developing different kinds of independent motion without compromising the melodies, whose quality and variety is unsurpassed. Counterpoint, octave transpositions, harmonic colour, expressive use of rests and varieties of touch that are genuinely integral to the music all contribute to a rich variety of textures that sustain interest throughout these miniature gems. (He also arranged many of the Patrick MacDonald airs for pianists of much higher accomplishment.)
Published in International Piano Magazine March 2012
Download & Read the whole article |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Articles > The Piano Music of Erik Chisholm 1904 -1965 by John Purser |
|
Subscribe to feed
Print-friendly version