Cornelius Cardew Piano Music 1959-70

John Tilbury

Long overdue recording (made in 1996) of some of Cardew’s pre-political period music. February Pieces, Volo Solo, Unintended Piano Music are just some of the works which reflect Cardew’s then aesthetic preoccupation with sonorities and touch. The piano is exhaustively and lovingly explored. Tilbury, who was one of Cardew’s closest musical associates, collaborates in Cardew’s search for a creative relationship with musician and materials and succeeds magnificently.

1. February Piece 1959 (3 51")
2. February Piece 1960 (6 15")
3. February Piece 1961 (4 65")
4. Volo Solo (9 3")
5. Unintended Piano Music (5 41")
6. Winter Potato No. 1 (3 58")
7. Winter Potato No. 2 (8 54")
8. Winter Potatos No. 3 (2 00")
9. Material (9 59")
10. Treatise (excerpt) 5 05")

total playing time: 61 25"

Recorded at Royal College of Music during the early months of 1966.

front cover: Keith Rowe - featuring a detail from 'Octet '61 for Jasper Johns'

MRCD29