Howard Skempton: 'Well, well, Cornelius' for piano

[@FaustoBongelli]

Bello! Amo Cardew e l'ho suonato molto. Penso che è un artista che non deve essere dimenticato e questo video contribuisce a tenerne viva la memoria. Grazie.

[@itchy2learn]

Thank you for your comment. I agree that Cardew has been neglected. I expect you know he wrote a set of variations for piano (Thälmann Variations) which Igor Levit has performed (but not recorded, unfortunately) which are much more conventional than his avant-garde work, but demonstrate that he could write successfully in a more conciliatory style as well. I love playing Skempton's pieces. They don't really lend themselves to concert performance but I think listening to them in a more intimate space - like on headphones - does them some justice.

[@FaustoBongelli]

@@itchy2learn Actually I didn't tell you that I like the Skempton piece which I find very intimate, beautiful and successful. I played the variations, "We sing for the future" as well as the "Vietnam Sonata" which are the longest and most important pieces of his piano production. Best regards

[@itchy2learn]

@@FaustoBongelli I don't know them, so I'll have a listen if I can find them.

[@canticle56]

Lovely and concise music that sometimes reminds me of Harold Budd and Brian Eno. Thank you.

[@itchy2learn]

Thank you - I think he's a composer with a uniquely modest voice - and also sly and witty.

[@blackletter2591]

Lovely piece, nicely played. Skempton's Lento is also a great piece, for orchestra.

[@itchy2learn]

Yes, I remember Lento - it was a Proms commission, I think. Thanks for commenting. I missed it till now!