Viv's CD releases

 VIV MCLEAN releases


New Release May 2024


Viv McLean performs Kenneth V. Jones: Piano Sonata Op. 4 (1950) and 
Piano Quintet Op. 26 (1967) with Soloists from the London Mozart Players

UPC: 5020926043429 Catalog Number: SRCD434 Label: Lyrita



Piano music by Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Nocturnes & Polonaises 

STONE RECORDS / Catalogue No: 

5060192780970

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Viv McLean invites us to explore the complex and sometimes competing facets of Chopin's musical personality. If the nocturne signifies Chopin's love for the human voice and the polonaise represents his love for the national dance of his homeland, McLean's approach seeks to marry the two, finding songs in the dances and dances in the songs. As a result, the performances are richly textured. His playing is improvisatory yet logical, sensitive but confident.

This is a worthy addition to any collection.

Jason Sifford, Piano Magazine / ClavierCompanion.com



1. Prelude in C Sharp Minor Op. 45

2. Nocturne in E Minor Op. 72 No. 1

3. Polonaise in C Sharp Minor Op. 26 No. 1

4. Nocturne in C Minor Op. Post.

5. Mazurka in A Minor Op. 17 No. 4

6. Nocturne in C Sharp Minor Op. Post.

7. Ballade No. 3 in A Flat Op. 47

8. Nocturne in G Minor Op. 37 No. 1

9. Nocturne in E Flat Op. 9 No. 2

10. Polonaise-Fantasy in A Flat Op. 61



Live Recordings: Piano music by Bach, Brahms, Liszt, Medtner & Schubert

STONE RECORDS / Catalogue No: 

5060192781014

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Brahms's Rhapsodies Op. 79 offer sweeping drama in robust, textually clear performances.

Medtner's Fairy Tale Op. 8 No. 2 is the star of the recital, beautifully shaped.

Liszt's Mazeppa from the Transcendental Etudes is characteristically exciting.

Colin Clarke, International Piano

 

A passionate and diverse survey, virtuoso style

Gary Lemco, Fanfare Magazine


(full review here)



Bach – Prelude & Fugue in E flat minor BMV 853

Brahms – Two Rhapsodies Op. 79 – I – Agitato

Brahms – Two Rhapsodies Op. 79 – II – Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro

Schubert – Sonata in B flat D 960 – I – Molto moderato

Schubert – Sonata in B flat D 960 – II – Andante sostenuto

Schubert – Sonata in B flat D 960 – III – Scherzo

Schubert – Sonata in B flat D 960 – IV – Allegro ma non troppo

Medtner – Fairy Tale Op. 8 No. 2

Liszt – Transcendental Etude No. 4 – “Mazeppa”




‘Rhythm and Poetry’ – Viv McLean – the sensitive and highly expressive musician records his new CD for ICSM Records. 

Musical phrases and voices intertwined with McLean’s unmistakable sense of rhythm of the music. The energy that Gershwin gives to pianists, such as this [McLean], is superbly expressed through McLean’s controlled power, rhythmic flexibility; and mesmerising understanding of the unique poetry of the music.
 Pizzicato (Germany)

We begin with the solo piano version of Gershwin’s famous “Rhapsody in Blue”. McLean has a positively symphonic approach, despite being limited to a mere two hands (although at times it sounds like has more). Silences speak; careful pedal work ensures maximum definition. This is, when it needs to be, an unhurried Rhapsody. McLean finds just the right amount of swing. 

The by-now familiar McLean tropes are all here (“An American in Paris”): clarity, understanding, and an ability to move freely from the dynamic to the heart-meltingly reflective. The cleanliness of the return to the opening measures around four and a half minutes in is splendidly realized, as is the sheer joy of the bright touch a few moments later.

Throughout the songs, McLean finds the heart of each and every number.
Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine (USA)

Viv McLean’s technical mastery is never deployed for its own sake (“Rhapsody in Blue”). He makes us believe that he’s composing it on the spot, and passages like the very rhetorical lead-in to the big tune are irresistibly done.
Couplings include the Three Preludes and a generous selection of song arrangements. The bluesy second prelude is sweetly done, and the harmonic boldness of a song like “Who Cares” is striking. Percy Grainger’s take on “The Man I Love” is appealing, and there’s a nifty abridged version of “An American in Paris”. 
 It's all excellent.
Graham Rickson, TheArtsDesk.com



 (download link)

A celebration of some of Gershwin’s finest works, including "Who Cares“? 
(adapted and orchestrated from The Gershwin Songbook by Hershy Kay).

Artists
Simon Lee Conductor
Viv McLean Piano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra


Live at the Wigmore Hall
Recorded on 18th May 2008 

BRAHMS Two Rhapsodies Op. 79 
LISZT Six Consolations S172 
SCHUBERT Sonata in B flat D 960
GRIEG Lyric Pieces 

Total Playing time: 74'55" 

Label: Master Musicians
ASIN: B00BKYK4ZQ

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Live in Japan
Recorded live at the ACT City Hamamatsu Concert Hall in November 2000

BACH Prelude & Fugue in E flat minor BMV 853 
MEDTNER Fairy Tale Op. 8 No. 2  
CHOPIN Polonaise-Fantasie Op. 61
RAVEL Sonatine
LISZT Mazeppa

Total Playing time: 45'58" 

Label: Master Musicians
ASIN: B00C8TZCAY

Email Viv McLean to purchase
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