Flowing Waters – music by Luke Whitlock:
Luke Whitlock’s music is firmly rooted in traditional harmonies and tonal bases, lyrical and expressive. This is the first album devoted to his work and features acclaimed pianist Duncan Honeybourne in solo works ranging from Whitlock’s survey of 18th century Suite form, to two picture-pieces and a lively, witty and sparkling waltz. A very open, airy flute sonata and three impressionist works for wind trio make this a fine introduction to music of wide appeal.
Track Listing
- Suite Antique − I. Allemande (3:21)
- Suite Antique − II. Courante (2:36)
- Suite Antique − III. Sarabande (2:57)
- Suite Antique − IV. Gavotte (2:06)
- Suite Antique − V. Minuet (2:22)
- Suite Antique − VI. Gigue (2:16)
- Flowing Waters (11:15)
- Three Pieces for Wind Trio − 1. As Shadows Fall (5:58)
- Three Pieces for Wind Trio − 2. Morning Escapades (4:02)
- Three Pieces for Wind Trio − 3. The Midnight Journey (6:52)
- Evening Prayer (5:32)
- Flute Sonata − I. Passionately, and with vigour (6:32)
- Flute Sonata − II. Slow, with much expression (6:58)
- Flute Sonata − III. Quickly, with much movement (3:59)
- The Faust and Mephisto Waltz (5:24)
Reviews
“Duncan Honeybourne is peerless in his handling of the [solo piano] music. The three [wind] players are assured and confident and show clear sympathy with the music. It was a real pleasure to make acquaintance with [Whitlock’s] music again and I would earnestly recommend listeners to hear music which is so immediately communicative as well as displaying the development of Whitlock’s style. Flowing waters and Evening prayer, if they are indicative of the manner in which his writing is moving, make one eager to hear more.
” —John France
“The music is lyrical, elegant and witty, at times mininalist and at others more richly textured in the manner of Chopin or Liszt. The music contained on this album is very accessible and will certainly appeal to those listeners who may initially shy away from new music. Recommended.
” —Frances Wilson
“Much of the writing is charming and eminently approachable. Honeybourne’s performance is simply beautiful, even in its most powerful and haunting moments. Again {in the Wind Trio] the music is charming and the performance excellent. [A] splendid introduction to a fine, skilled composer.
” —Colin Clarke
“Suite Antique is a collection of six early dances. They are tonal and attractive music. Evening Prayer is a rich sounding piano piece often with beautiful nuances, music perhaps standing between Debussy and Satie. The Sonata for flute and piano is the most rewarding work on this disc. It is easy on the flute but never commonplace. The sound and performances are of quality and there is an obvious sincerity in this composer’s music.
” —David C F Wright
“No shortage of pastiche and Satiesque humour in this Exeter-born composer’s neo-classical Suite Antique. The title track’s depiction of the River Teign draws on Glass and Reich, and satirical humour, Whitlock’s strong point, re-emerges in a finale Waltz.
” —Nick Shave
“This rather beautiful CD from Mr Whitlock had a dozen plays before we could press pause… simple in form and easy for the listener to appreciate quickly. Highly recommended.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Duncan Honeybourne is peerless in his handling of the [solo piano] music. The three [wind] players are assured and confident and show clear sympathy with the music. It was a real pleasure to make acquaintance with [Whitlock’s] music again and I would earnestly recommend listeners to hear music which is so immediately communicative as well as displaying the development of Whitlock’s style. Flowing waters and Evening prayer, if they are indicative of the manner in which his writing is moving, make one eager to hear more.
” —Paul Corfield Godfrey
