Composer: Percy Grainger
Works: Country Gardens, Colheen Dhas, Mock Morris, Molly on the Shore, Willow Willow, Irish Tune from County Derry, Handel in the Strand, Scotch Strathspey and Reel, The Power of Love, Lord Peter’s Stable Boy, Shepherd’s Hey, Beautiful Fresh Flower, Gum-Sucker’s March, Blithe Bells, Cradle Song, The Man I Love (arr. Grainger), Love Walked In (arr. Grainger), Spoon River, The Nightingale and the Two Sisters
Performers: Leslie Howard (piano), Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, John Hopkins (conductor), Geoffrey Simon (conductor)
Recording: ABC Classics 465818-2
Label: ABC Classics
Percy Grainger, a composer whose eclecticism and innovative spirit have often placed him at the margins of the traditional classical canon, receives a well-deserved retrospective on this release, “The Best of Percy Grainger.” This collection not only celebrates his most beloved works but also serves as a testament to his unique sonic palette, which is characterized by chromatic harmonies, intricate orchestration, and a deep appreciation for folk traditions. The album’s selection spans geographical and emotional landscapes, reflecting Grainger’s diverse influences and the vibrancy of his musical imagination.
The performances, led by the Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras under the baton of John Hopkins and Geoffrey Simon, showcase a keen sensitivity to Grainger’s stylistic demands. Notably, the orchestration of “Country Gardens,” which opens and closes the album, is particularly striking. The nuanced interpretation begins with Leslie Howard’s playful piano rendition, which captures the piece’s pastoral charm, before transitioning into a lush orchestral arrangement that amplifies its melodic warmth. Howard’s articulation and phrasing are both lively and thoughtful, allowing the intricate counterpoint to emerge with clarity.
Throughout the recording, Grainger’s penchant for chromaticism is artfully realized. The “Irish Tune from County Derry,” often identified with “Danny Boy,” receives a performance that eschews sentimentality in favor of an invigorating exploration of its harmonic richness. The orchestration here, while simple, is tastefully rendered, allowing the woodwinds to shine and providing a bracing counterpoint to the lush strings. This is emblematic of the recording’s overall quality—careful attention to detail and a commitment to authenticity permeate every track.
Howard’s six solo outings, particularly in “The Power of Love” and “Beautiful Fresh Flower,” reveal his interpretative depth. The former is imbued with an intensity that brings out its emotional core, while Peter Sculthorpe’s orchestration of the latter transforms it into a moment of ethereal beauty, echoing Puccini’s own lush orchestral textures. The immediate juxtaposition of “Beautiful Fresh Flower” with the spirited “Gum-Sucker’s March” is a delightful programming choice, highlighting Grainger’s whimsicality and the orchestras’ versatility.
Engineered with care, the sound quality is crisp and vibrant, allowing the listener to appreciate the rich timbres of the orchestral forces and the delicate nuances of the piano. The balance between soloist and ensemble is expertly managed, ensuring that Howard’s pianism is never overshadowed by the orchestra’s lush backdrop. The clarity of the recording invites repeated listening, revealing new layers and details with each encounter.
This compilation stands out not only for its engaging performances but also for its thoughtful curation. Despite the relative scarcity of Grainger recordings, this disc emerges as a significant contribution to the catalog, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the composer’s artistic breadth. The interpretations herein resonate with both technical finesse and emotional sincerity, making it an essential listen for both aficionados of classical music and newcomers alike. The artistry displayed by the performers illuminates Grainger’s distinctive voice, rendering this collection a vibrant celebration of his legacy.
