Composer: Cyril Scott
Works: Two Pieces Op. 47, Two Pierrot Pieces Op. 35, Pierrette, Five Poems, Trois Danses Tristes Op. 74, Over the Prairie: Two Impressions, Piano Sonata No. 1 Op. 66
Performers: Dennis Hennig (piano)
Recording: Recorded 9 April 1991
Label: ABC Eloquence 465 737-2
Cyril Scott, a composer whose oeuvre has long been overshadowed by his contemporaries, emerges in this collection as a figure of both charm and complexity. Born in 1879 in Birkenhead, Scott’s music reflects the nuanced aesthetics of the early 20th century, drawing on the impressionistic tendencies that characterized the works of Debussy and Ravel. This recording, featuring Dennis Hennig on piano, offers a comprehensive survey of Scott’s piano music, showcasing pieces that range from the delicate to the impressively monumental, while inviting listeners to explore the rich subtleties embedded within.
The performance by Hennig reveals a thoughtful engagement with Scott’s diverse palette. In the “Five Poems,” which include evocative titles such as “Poppies” and “Twilight of the Year,” Hennig captures the essence of each piece with a refined touch that evokes a sense of intimacy. The impressionistic qualities of these works are illuminated through Hennig’s sensitive phrasing and dynamic control, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuanced contrasts between lyrical passages and more turbulent sections. Notably, the “Bells” movement showcases a deft balance between clarity and reverberation, mirroring the delicate interplay of light and shadow that Scott so masterfully orchestrates.
The technical execution throughout the recording is commendable. Hennig navigates the intricate passages of the Piano Sonata No. 1 Op. 66 with both assurance and subtlety, embodying the florid Romanticism that characterizes this substantial work. The sonata is marked by a lyrical richness that sometimes obscures its thematic development; however, Hennig manages to bring forth its structural integrity, articulating the thematic materials with a clarity that is both engaging and illuminating. The engineering quality of the recording enhances this performance, with a balanced soundstage that allows for the intricate textures of Scott’s writing to resonate fully.
Scott’s music often flirts with the salon style, but this recording avoids the pitfalls of sentimentality that can afflict lesser interpretations. Hennig’s interpretation strikes an ideal balance; he refrains from condescension while illuminating the inherent beauty of Scott’s language. The inclusion of rarities such as “Over the Prairie: Two Impressions” serves as a reminder of Scott’s ability to paint vivid landscapes through sound, and Hennig’s interpretations breathe life into these lesser-known pieces without sacrificing their integrity.
Offering an ideal entry point into Scott’s piano repertoire, this recording not only highlights the composer’s charm but also showcases the depth of his musical language. Hennig’s thoughtful and nuanced performance, combined with the well-engineered sound quality, allows listeners to appreciate the often-overlooked richness of Scott’s contributions to the piano literature. This release is a significant step toward bringing Cyril Scott’s work into the broader consciousness of classical music enthusiasts, and it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of his artistry.
