Thomas HYDE (b. 1978)
Three Dancers, Op. 11a (2005) [5:31]
Autumnal, Op.5 (2003) [15:22]
Nocturnes, Op.7 (2006) [7:54]
Second Suite for solo Cello, Op.3 (2001-02) [15:47]
Birthday Song (2011) [2:24]
Winter Music, Op.6 (2004) [5:45]
String Quartet, Op.10 (2009-10) [21:11]
Aquinas Piano Trio (Edward Vanderspar (viola): Eliza Marshall (flute/alto
flute)); Catriona Scott (clarinet); Ruth Potter (harp); Katherine Jenkinson
(cello); Evalina Puzaite (piano); Iuventus Quartet; Martin Cousins (piano)/John
Traill
rec. Jacqueline du Pre Music Bldg, Oxford, 22-23 October 2007 (Three Dancers,
Autumnal, Nocturnes, Winter Music), 24 August 2011 (Second Suite), 16 January
2012 (Birthday Song, String Quartet)
GUILD GMCD 7389 [73:54]
This album is an interesting collection of music written by the noted modern
composer Thomas Hyde. Hyde was born in London and attended Oxford University.
He studied with composers David Matthews and Robert Saxton, and gained his
doctorate in composition in 2008. Some other influences on his works include
Maxwell Davies and Birtwistle.
Three Dancers is performed by the Aquinas Piano Trio and is a blend
of alternating rhythms, tempo changes and moody dissonance. Autumnal
is one of the longer works here. It is written and performed in a similar
style of alternating and repeating rhythms and overall dissonance. The ensemble
for this piece features noted violist Edward Vanderspar, a longtime performer
with the London Symphony Orchestra.Nocturnes, Op. 7 is a short, three-part
composition that features pianist Evelina Puzaite, the well-known and talented
chamber musician. Born in Lithuania, Puzaite has performed in various musical
productions around the world. She is also a composer and author. Nocturnes
follows the same overall pattern of dissonance and moodiness that is found
in Thomas’s other compositions.
The Second Suite for solo Cello, Op.3 is one of the highlights. It is in six
movements and two interludes. Jenkinson displays a remarkable touch and dexterity,
and brings out the loveliness and tonal quality throughout her instrument’s
range. Birthday Song is a short piece for string quartet. This is one
of my favourites. The music is slow and relaxed, and tends to wander, as one’s
mind would during reflections on the passage of time. Winter Music
is for cello and piano. The song is similar in style to the other numbers,
and brings a vision of short days and long, cold nights. String Quartet,
Op.10 again features the Iuventus Quartet. It is a two-part composition written
and performed in the style. Thomas dedicated this piece to Hugh Wood.
This disc should appeal strongly to listeners those who already know and enjoy
the works of Thomas Hyde.
Bruce McCollum
Should appeal strongly to listeners those who already know and enjoy the works
of Thomas Hyde.