‘I first experienced the power of George Walker&rsquols piano music during breakfast on a rainy December morning in Eugene, Oregon. It all began with Piano Sonata No. 5. Something strong called to me and demanded more. A quick online search revealed that there were other great piano works, but no recordings of his piano music in the Naxos catalogue. Within 48 hours, I committed to performing and recording his entire piano music with Naxos. It was truly love at first hearing!’
– Alexandre Dossin
George WALKER (1922–2018)
Complete Piano Works, Vol. 1
Alexandre Dossin, PianoGeorge Walker’s unique collection of piano music ranges across his long career. The three sonatas heard here, in this the first of two volumes of Walker’s complete piano works, offer compelling contrasts. Sonata No. 1 is his longest and utilizes folk tunes, No. 2 is darker and unified by tonal relationships, whilst No. 3 displays contrapuntal mastery and translucent elements. Both Spatials and Spektra are atonal – the former athletic and compressed, the latter vivid and colorful. The album opens with Prelude and Caprice – a serene and majestic early work.
IV. Allegretto tranquillo
Brazilian-born pianist Alexandre Dossin has established himself as an internationally acclaimed artist of the first rank. His awards include both the First Prize and the Special Prize at the Martha Argerich International Piano Competition, the Silver Medal at the Maria Callas International Grand Prix, and Third Prize and the Special Prize at the Mozart International Piano Competition. He is professor of piano and chair of keyboard at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, and the artistic director of the James and Marilyn Murdock Piano Institute.
– Fanfare
– AllMusic.com
– American Record Guide
– MusicWeb International