The English pianist Eric Parkin, much favoured by the BBC for his championship of British composers, has died at a great age. From his radio debut in 1948 to his very late years he was hardly ever off the radio, whether in studio, at the Proms or with his highly successful recordings on the Chandos label.
Parkin, who came from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, won renown as the leading champion of the music of John Ireland. He also played works by Arnold Bax, Geoffrey Bush, Peter Dickinson, David Gow, Kenneth Leighton, E J Moeran and Richard Stoker.
Eric Parkin's musical sympathies were wide, ranging from J.S. Bach through the Classical and Romantic repertoire to much 20th century repertoire. He had a great affection for French and American music and was increasingly recording this. A number of English composers have either written for him or asked for first performances, including Geoffrey Bush, Peter Dickinson, David Gow, Kenneth Leighton and Richard Stoker.
Source: Slipped disc & https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Parkin-Eric.htm
https://www.youtube.com/v/ZQ5z9pZpIfU
https://www.youtube.com/v/00QTmJR41Sw
Arnold Cooke - pianoconcerto 1940 : https://youtu.be/V3TbBFROofQ
Damn, rest in peace; I have his complete Poulenc set which is quite good. I had no idea he was in his late 90s.
A sad loss: RIP
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I was just listening to him playing Bax Piano Sonatas in the car earlier this morning.
R.I.P.
Had no idea he was that old. RIP.
A trusted guide for much music......
Quote from: Roasted Swan on October 29, 2020, 11:00:50 AM
A trusted guide for much music......
Indeed. I got to know so much of the neglected repertoire (and sometimes composers) because of him.
These two off top of my head - may have more.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QCGVwH49/Parker.jpg)
John Ireland, Arnold Bax, Billy Mayerl, Dyson, Roussel, Delius, Baines, Moeran, Chaminade...
Playing the Legend in memoriam now. As I live near the South Downs and walk there often this music has special connotations for me.
Here's Harrow Hill on the South Downs - an area which inspired the 'Legend' (photo from Internet):
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He recorded Ireland's complete piano music twice, once for Lyrita and once for Chandos and the two versions are slightly different, go figure!
Quote from: Florestan on October 30, 2020, 04:53:29 AM
He recorded Ireland's complete piano music twice, once for Lyrita and once for Chandos and the two versions are slightly different, go figure!
In one area they are different. The piano at Parkin's disposal for Chandos has a far better rounded sound then the one for Lyrita.