This is a superb disc, every bit as enjoyable from
the indefatigable Howard Shelley as one has come to expect over the
years. Not only does he play authoritatively and convincingly, admirably
accompanied by the London Mozart Players, but (as in the case of his
discs of the concertos by Hummel) he continues to find a treasure trove
of relatively unexplored pastures which now deserve to be heard in public
more often. These are fine concertos, colourful in tone, full of grace
and elegance. There were nine in all, published over the thirty-year
period 1795 to 1825. The name of Cramer is probably best known today
as the firm of publishers still in existence in London but today a far
cry from its origins two hundred years ago. He was also one of the signatories
to the founding of the Philharmonic Society in 1813, and a founder member
of the Board of the Royal Academy of Music in 1822, but he was also
a hugely prolific composer of music for the piano (solo and chamber
music forming the vast bulk) and pedagogic studies for the instrument.
He was, needless to say, a virtuoso player himself, and briefly a pupil
of Clementi.
Listening to these highly satisfying works, brightly
and expertly recorded in the unlikely surroundings of London’s Kentish
Town, one hears plenty of Cramer’s contemporaries with Beethoven and
Hummel strongly in there, but Chopin seems just around the corner via
the influence of John Field. That gives a flavour of the style, but
there are others such as that of Mozart and earlier Baroque conventions
in this imaginatively tuneful music. Hopefully the other six concertos
are on their way in the fullness of time, but meanwhile these three
(with No.8 and its captivating final Rondo a L’Espagnola receiving its
premiere recording) make the perfect start to a complete collection.
Christopher Fifield
London Mozart Players/Howard
Shelley (piano/conductor)