Field: Piano Works

Here is a brand new compilation of this attractive and popular repertoire, remastered at 24-bit/96kHz
It is available as a two-CD set selling for the price of one CD.

A fellow countryman of John Field’s, Míceál O’Rourke performs this 2-CD recital with intelligence and taste, much of the repertoire not otherwise available. A large amount of the music has the quiet charm one associates with the work of this delightful early-eighteenth-century virtuoso Irish pianist and composer, and the collection includes all four surviving sonatas, complemented with a generous miscellany of rarely recorded or performed miniatures.

Field was born a dozen years after Beethoven and these delightful pieces clearly show Beethoven’s influence, as well as more than a hint of Mozart and Haydn. Nonetheless, they have a character of their own, especially in the innovative use of Irish folk tunes. For those who like piano music of the early nineteenth century, this unusual repertoire will constitute a most enjoyable discovery. It makes an ideal introduction to Field’s music as O’Rourke’s stylish performances do full justice to the lovely melodies and general charm of the works.

Quotes from the original release:
O’Rourke gives witty, stylish and very proficient performances of these sonatas

Cincinnati Enquirer

O’Rourke is as sympathetic and sensitive an advocate of these rarities as one could wish for.

Penguin Guide

O’Rourke’s great weight and expressiveness seem more appropriate and make one wonder why Field’s music isn’t more often heard in the concert hall.

Classic CD

Field’s impeccably classical sonatas do not plumb great depths, but are consistently engaging in Miceál O’Rourke’s hands. The gathering of shorter pieces offers great variety.

BBC Music Magazine

The recording is a model of authentic keyboard sound and O’Rourke’s playing is a model of empathy with the composer and the music.

Fanfare

Miceal O’Rourke is hardly a well-known pianist, but he obviously has a real affinity for John Field’s style. His playing is slower than many others. He gives them a relaxed almost dreamy touch that fits them very well… these are really first-class piano recordings.

American Record Guide

No User Reviews Found.

Field: Piano Works

Miceal O'Rourke

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Suffolk

St Jude on the Hill, Hampstead, London

Tim Oldham

Richard Lee

Ralph Couzens

Richard Lee

Piano

JOHN FIELD

Sonata in E flat major, Op. 1 No. 1 (H8/1)

Sonata in A major, Op. 1 No. 2 (H8/2)

Sonata in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3 (H8/3)

Sonata in B major, (H 17)

Air du bon Roi Henri IV

Irish Dance ('Go to the Devl')

Sehnsuchswalzer

Fantaisie sur l'Andante de Martini

Rondeau écossais

Andante inédit in E flat major

Chanson russe variée

Kamarinskaya

Marche triomphale

Nouvelle fantaisie in G major

Nocturne in B flat major

Polonaise en rondeau

Fantaisie sur un air russe ('In the Garden')

Two Album Leaves in C minor

Rondo in A flat major