tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060605.post-1125038410012825622005-08-26T07:40:00.000+01:002005-08-26T07:40:00.000+01:002005-08-26T07:40:00.000+01:00Garth, fascinating <I>paths</I> to explore.<BR/><BR/>George Lloyd was a post-Vaughan Williams phase I went through. Fine tonal workmanship (a bit like a Cornish Hovhaness). But I have to confess I can't really recall a note, which is why I was somewhat surprised at Ogdon's advocacy. (He is not to be confused with the <B>Jonathan</B> Lloyd, an altogether more sinewy contemporary British composer whose 4th Symphony recorded on NMC I recommend to you.<BR/><BR/>For me the real 'nugget' within Ogdon's advocacy is the Frenchman Charles-Valentin Alkan who was admired as a composer by Liszt and Busoni. He does have a justified reputation for bombast. But some of his writing is exquisite. I do recommend his last cycle of miniatures, the appropriately named <I>Esquisses</I> Op. 63 (fine recording by the wonderful Steven Osborne on Hyperion), and his 25 Preludes, Op. 1 (which again played by Osborne come coupled with the Shostakovich Preludes on Decca).<BR/><BR/>So much wonderful music, and so much little known...Pliablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616598845886342325noreply@blogger.com