Alistair McGowan - The Piano Album (2017)

Impressionist, comedian, playwright, actor, broadcaster and now pianist. Having given up the piano at the age of nine, Alistair McGowan took up music again in his fifties after encouragement from friends and family. Going by this album, his progress is impressive. The pieces here are all straightforward including a Bach prelude and charming works by Mompou, Chopin, Philip Glass and his hero Erik Satie but McGowan digs deep into the colours and textures behind the notes. He has a natural instinct for musical shape and is an inspiration to anyone eager to get playing again.

TRACKLIST

01. Gnossienne No. 1
02. Lyric Pieces, Op. 12: No. 1, Arietta
03. Prelude in C Major, BWV 846
04. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 20 in C Minor
05. Impresiones Intimas: No. 2
06. Gymnopédie No. 1
07. Nocturne No. 2 in C Minor, H.25
08. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
09. Album for the Young, Op. 68: Mignon
10. Gnossienne No. 2
11. Poem
12. Impresiones Intimas: No. 8, Secreto
13. Nocturne No. 5 in B-Flat Major, H.37
14. Consolation No. 3 in D-Flat Major, S. 172
15. Gnossienne No. 3
16. 10 Miniatures en forme d'Etudes Op. 8: Miniature No. 2 in D Minor
17. Metamorphosis: Metamorphosis Five
18. Gymnopédie No. 1 (Reprise)