<<  -- 3 --  David Thompson    Bridging the day

Three miniatures for solo piano constitute an interesting yardstick of Beamish's musical development, from the early (and derivative) Entre Chien et Loup (Twilight), to the relatively recent Kyle Song, an unpretentious evocation altogether more assured and distinctive in language and voice.

The longest and most substantial piece is the four-movement Sonata for cello and piano (1999-2000). The movements are musical portraits of four friends (shades of Enigma), though it is not necessary to know this to appreciate a fine, well-crafted and enjoyable work, whose musical argument is clear, and which speaks with a now distinctive voice. Listen to the lovely Ballad [track 13, 5:04-6:04], and rejoice that real music with something to communicate is being written in the new millennium.

An attractive disc, then, revealing the development of an important composer, and the astonishing talent of her cellist husband. Both, I feel, should be experienced, and I look forward to hearing more of both.

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