Unsung Composers

The Music => Recordings & Broadcasts => Topic started by: Alan Howe on Wednesday 15 October 2025, 19:43

Title: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Alan Howe on Wednesday 15 October 2025, 19:43
...forthcoming from Lyrita:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9827033--bennett-piano-concertos-nos-4-6
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: terry martyn on Wednesday 15 October 2025, 23:03
I didn't expect this good news to come so quickly.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: kolaboy on Thursday 16 October 2025, 01:53
A must-buy for me.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Mark Thomas on Thursday 16 October 2025, 08:51
That's very good news.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Richard Moss on Thursday 16 October 2025, 10:37
Wonderful news - I presume that No. 6 is the  one that was mentioned in an earlier thread a few years ago about 'being with-held' by a family member of WSB (or is this yet another 'discovery?)

Cheers

Richard
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Gareth Vaughan on Thursday 16 October 2025, 11:31
I knew this was imminent, but was sworn to secrecy. I am sure it will be wonderful. A really intelligent programme and typical of the sort of repertoire Lyrita is famous for espousing.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Mark Thomas on Thursday 16 October 2025, 11:57
Well said, Gareth. This promises to be a (very early) 2026 highlight release.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 16 October 2025, 12:03
I'm so pleased for you, Gareth.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Ilja on Thursday 16 October 2025, 12:35
That 4th Concerto is played a LOT quicker than the Binns recording; it shaves almost three minutes off the first movement alone.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Jonathan on Thursday 16 October 2025, 18:34
I also knew about this one but decided against mentioning it!  It's a definite buy for me too.
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: semloh on Sunday 19 October 2025, 00:45
Well, it comes as very welcome surprise to me. A New Year's present to look forward to.  :)
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Rob H on Sunday 19 October 2025, 12:15
https://www.naxosdirect.co.uk/items/william-sterndale-bennett-complete-piano-concertos-1287712

Even more pleased to see this
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Mark Thomas on Sunday 19 October 2025, 14:17
To what extent did Martin Yates have to "complete" the 6th Piano Concerto? I'm sure he's done his usual excellent job, the sound bytes on Presto sound convincing, but what did he have to do: elaborating sketches, composing lost sections, orchestration, or what?
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 19 October 2025, 19:54
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Sunday 19 October 2025, 14:17To what extent did Martin Yates have to "complete" the 6th Piano Concerto?

My question too. Perhaps the sleevenotes will tell us....
Title: Re: W.S.Bennett PCs 4, 6 & Bennett/Macfarren Concerto for 2 Pianos
Post by: eschiss1 on Monday 20 October 2025, 16:58
Also, this earlier thread (https://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,9606.15.html) about the 6th concerto/concertpiece seems to have some background information, though it doesn't answer the question...