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I can second Martin's recommendation of the violin sonata - it is excellent!

As a chorister, I've sung a fair number of works by Harold Darke and enjoyed them immensely. I'd been interested to see what his other works are like, and two years ago I wrote to the RCM to ask whether I might have permission to obtain copies of the piano works. They duly put me in touch with his son Michael who kindly gave permission to obtain scans. In my opinion, the unpublished piano works are very good and certainly are well worth publishing and performing.

In 2010, Michael wrote a 64-page book that was circulated to close friends and family, and a copy was given to the RCM. Of the Symphony, he writes:

"In the autumn of 1910, Harold started writing his Switzerland Symphony for full orchestra- 'in remembrance of a holiday in Switzerland, it is dedicated to my friends Mr and Mrs H B Calkin'. It was two years before this was completed. It was never published, but a first performance was given by the Guildford Symphony Orchestra. Later, Harold arranged it as a Sextet for strings, horn and piano."

cheers,
Daniel

Here's the address for those who'd like to watch - https://fishercenter.bard.edu/events/ups-the-wreckers/

cheers,
Daniel

Just noticed that the manuscript full score can be browsed at various places @ issuu.com, if that interests people. Eg Judith Act I Scene II.

I believe the full manuscript is available at IMSLP too.

cheers,
Daniel

Thank you! It has certainly been an interesting (and sometimes confounding!) experience in finding and then editing these works. Now for some enterprising pianist and label to take on recording the lot!

Hi Everyone,
I thought the board might like to know that my co-editor and I have finally finished the project to publish the first complete edition of Charles-Marie Widor's piano works (it's only taken 11 years!). If anyone is interested, you can read more here. http://www.crescendomusicpubs.com.au/widorpiano/

cheers,
Daniel

Those two sets mentioned above are almost complete recordings; they don't include two works that were given their first publication in Bärenreiter's edition from 2008/9 or thereabouts.

Lithuanian pianist Muza Rubackyte has recorded more than half the piano works; these are also available from Amazon.

I've missed the boat in posting this in time for the first concert, however those in Melbourne, Australia are warmly invited to attend a series of free concerts in Melba Hall, The University of Melbourne, of Louis Vierne's complete works for piano, in this, his 150th birthday year. The pianist is Harold Fabrikant, who enjoys a multifaceted career as pianist, organist, music editor and radiologist. As far as I'm aware, this is the only series of performances of his piano works this year, anywhere in the world. Those interested can book here. Today's first instalment was absolutely wonderful.

best wishes,
Daniel

There is a more extensive list of his compositions available by searching Hofmeister - http://www.hofmeister.rhul.ac.uk/2008/content/database/search/basic.html

Kind regards,
Daniel

Of course! The point I was trying to make was that the need to obtain permission/pay a fee for recording a protected work is but another hurdle on the journey to making a recording.

On hope-to-be-recorded quartets, I'd love Herbert Murrill's effort to be recorded, but we may need to wait until he falls into the public domain in 2023. Also, I've prepared a new performing edition of George Henschel's String Quartet Op. 55. It's a great work that harks back to early Brahms channeling Schubert...not an unkind comparison tho!

cheers,
Daniel

From friends that record with Lyrita, I can say that they're still producing material for release - it might just be a quiet patch. I cannot comment on Dutton, though. I have prepared performance material that was to be included in their ongoing survey of Widor's works for orchestra, however there's been no movement in a few years, just silence.

I can only add my voice to those glad to hear of this recording. Time to write to Chandos to ask they consider recording a Smyth edition? I think so!

cheers,
Daniel

Well done - definitely shades of Elgar, especially in the French horns! I've admired Brewer's work for some time and this is a welcome orchestration.

cheers,
Daniel

Indeed - organ (I've amended the post) - blame tiredness on my part!

Many thanks for the kind words! Yes, a typeset edition of the orchestral version of Salvum fac populum tuum is currently underway - I'm hoping to have it completed by August. The compilation of a seven-volume set of his complete piano works has consumed a great deal of time and effort.

I hope it's OK to post a follow-up to this topic. The Unsung folk might be interested to note that the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have recorded Widor's Ouverture portugaise (1865), for orchestra, wind ensemble and organ. The recording is freely available on SoundCloud and can be listened to here - https://soundcloud.com/user-167475557/ouverture-portugaise

cheers,
Daniel