VIV MCLEAN releases

Neuerscheinung Mai 2024 Kammermusik von Kenneth V. Jones Viv McLean spielt Kenneth V. Jones: Klaviersonate Op. 4 (1950) und Klavierquintett Op. 26 (1967) mit Solisten der London Mozart Players UPC: 5020926043429 Katalognummer: SRCD434 Label: Lyrita



Klaviermusik von Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Nocturnes & Polonaisen

STONE RECORDS / Catalogue No: 

5060192780970

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Viv McLean lädt uns ein, die komplexen und manchmal widersprüchlichen Facetten von Chopins musikalischer Persönlichkeit zu erkunden. Während die Nocturne Chopins Liebe zur menschlichen Stimme und die Polonaise seine Liebe zum Nationaltanz seiner Heimat symbolisiert, versucht McLean, beides zu vereinen und Lieder in den Tänzen und Tänze in den Liedern zu finden. Das Ergebnis sind reichhaltige Interpretationen. Sein Spiel ist improvisatorisch und doch logisch, einfühlsam und doch souverän.

Dies ist eine würdige Ergänzung für jede Sammlung.

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-Moll, op. 17 Nr. 4

6. Nocturne in C Sharp Minor Op. Post.

7. Ballade Nr. 3 in As-Dur 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’ Rhapsodien op. 79 bieten mitreißende Dramatik in robusten, textklaren Aufführungen.

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, Internationales Klavier

 

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 – Zwei Rhapsodien op. 79 – II – Sehr leidenschaftlich, aber nicht zu fröhlich

Schubert – Sonate in B-Dur D 960 – I – Sehr mittel

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

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

Schubert – Sonate in B-Dur 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

Email Viv McLean to purchase




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