Description
This disc collects the complete piano music composed by Paul Corfield Godfrey over the past fifty years. Three of the pieces derive from the composer's cycles of works based on the mythology of J. R. R. Tolkien, and form appendices to his epic scenes from The Silmarillion and his musical chapters from The Lord of the Rings (to be released in a complete recording by Prima Facie later in 2025). Piano Rondo:" Akallabeth" depicts the story of the Second Age Kingdom of Men and its downfall; the Wedding March from "The Fall of Gondolin" is an arrangement for piano of a section of that work; and Piano Episode: "The Passing of Arwen" forms an epilogue to The Lord of the Rings, drawing on material from the cycle and telling of the tragic conclusion of the tale of Aragorn and Arwen.
The disc also includes a set of Variations on a Bardic Melody which depicts diverse aspects of the Welsh valleys, and eight miniature Studies written at various times examining different aspects of technical and compositional techniques. All the works have been recorded especially for this release by Duncan Honeybourne, who is also giving here the first performance of the newly composed Piano Episode: "The Passing of Arwen".
Paul Corfield Godfrey was born in London and after a period of residence in Ireland now lives in Wales, studying composition and conducting at various times with Alan Bush and David Wynne. His compositions include four symphonies: various orchestral, chamber and instrumental works: songs and choral works: operas, including The Dialogues of Oisin and Saint Patric and Arcturus, both performed in Cardiff and elsewhere: and a cycle of epic scenes based on J. R. R. Tolkien's posthumous novel The Silmarillion, as well as (forthcoming) musical chapters from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Duncan Honeybourne enjoys a diverse profile as a pianist and in music education. Following his concerto debuts at Birmingham's Symphony Hall and Town Hall, and at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, he made recital debuts in London, Paris, and at international festivals in Belgium and Switzerland. Commended for his "gripping performances" (The Times), "glittering performances" (International Piano) and "great technical facility and unfailing imagination" (Musical Opinion), Duncan has toured extensively as soloist and chamber musician, broadcasting frequently on BBC Radio 3 and radio networks worldwide. His many recordings reflect his long association with 20th and 21st century British piano music and he has premiered more than 70 new piano works written for him by composers including John Joubert, John Casken and Cecilia McDowall.www.duncanhoneybourne.com
