Chamber Music

Gould Piano Trio, David Adams (viola) & Dante Quartet

Herbert Howells’s style, immediately recognisable for its long melodic lines, rhapsodic nature and rich harmonies, defined the sound of English cathedral music in the 20th century. His studies in London imbued his works with sophistication and a French influence, which were intertwined with a nostalgic ‘heart-ache’ for the ‘real Gloucestershire’, as can be heard in String Quartet No.3. The charming little character stories in Lady Audrey’s Suite tell of countryside and church, while the Piano Quartet in A minor is dedicated ‘To the Hill at Chosen and Ivor Gurney who knows it’, portraying a favourite local vantage point at different seasons as well as poignantly remembering a lost friendship.

Naxos have long had a warm affection for the music of Herbert Howells, with recordings that have included his deeply personal Hymnus paradisi (8570352) and the Stabat Mater (8573176). This new programme of his earlier chamber music complements one with musicians from the mobius ensemble released in 2004 that includes the Rhapsodic Quintet (8557188). This was summed up by Gramophone as ‘Rewarding repertoire, handsomely served by this talented, multi-national ensemble’.

The Gould Piano Trio has provided us with a growing discography of excellent British chamber music, including works by Arnold Bax (8557698) of which Gramophone wrote that ‘Enthusiasts can rest assured that these admirably agile and idiomatic performers give Bax’s youthful inspiration every chance to shine; indeed, it’s impossible imagine a more convincing account of the Trio.’ Gramophone also admired their ‘magnificently stylish’ recording of Stanford’s First Piano Trio (8572452).

Howells:
 In Gloucestershire, (String Quartet No. 3)
 Lady Audrey's Suite
 Piano Quartet in A minor, Op. 21

"This disc contains music-making of such energy, clear-sightedness and passion that sceptics may wonder where Howells has been all their lives; enthusiasts, of course, will feel wholly vindicated. It’s a useful corrective to the prejudice that Howells’s pastoral manner was somehow parochial or backward-looking, and the Dante Quartet characterise the four movements [of Lady Audrey’s Suite] with bright-eyed clarity and affection."
Gramophone Magazine - June 2019

"The performance of In Gloucestershire really gets to the heart of the piece and features exceptional sound. Overall, an exemplary Howells disc with what will now be the standards for the Piano Quartet and In Gloucestershire."
MusicWeb International - July 2019