Two generations of remarkable pianists--Keith Tippets and Matthew Bourne--performed a series of two-piano concerts between 2017 and 2019, also recording in the studio, as heard in this 2-CD release, the first a set of consequential piano duos recorded at Leeds Conservatoire in 2019, the 2nd disc a live performance at Daylight Music at Union Chapel, London, Tippetts' final public performance.
Format: CD Condition: New Released: 2021 Country: UK Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold 3 Panels CD 1 recorded at The Venue, Leeds Conservatory, in Leeds, UK. on July 8th and 9th, 2019, by Sam Hobbs.
CD 2 recorded live at Daylight Music, Union Chapel, in London, UK, on October 12th, 2019, by Sam Hobbs.
"Spanning a three-year period between 2017-2019, Keith Tippett and Matthew Bourne performed a series of two-piano concerts - nearly all of which were recorded. Discus Music is incredibly proud to make the fruits of this vital work available as a double album, comprising of two beautifully-recorded performances from 2019: a set of individual studio pieces recorded at Leeds Conservatoire is paired with a remarkable live performance from Daylight Music at Union Chapel, London; which sadly proved to be Keith's final public statement."-Discus
"Aeolian is as two disc set. Together they are aural evidence of just how monumental creativity can become. This is determined willpower challenged and held to the strength of its undertaking. At the time of the studio recording Keith Tippett had only one year left to live. By the time of the live concert it was edging nine months. Keith's health was already worrying and Matthew Bourne should be credited as being one of those important people who encouraged the maestro. He kept the focus alive and when necessary 'flexed' around gig cancellations, which Keith hated having to do. Aeolian is remarkable, not only does it give no indication of such a context it is one of the most enthralling recordings in a long list of exemplary lifetime performances. Keith Tippett and Matthew Bourne are totally in touch with each other's inner muse yet have the indomitable strength of execution to play it out as revelation. In the studio, by the time the two pianists reach the 7th track, Bora, everything they bring as individuals has been assimilated into a whole gigantic roar from a joint spirit. Dissonance and harmony are totally integrated within this huge wall of sound. Anyone listening could be forgiven believing Tippett and Bourne capable of holding back the Valley of The Shadow of Death itself. Ultimately they fail just like we all will, but here in July 2019 it is possible to believe that this is what they will achieve, maybe did achieve for a few months longer. Incredibly some three months later Keith and Matthew go out and play a live set in front of an audience at Union Chapel, London. A concert so utterly convincing, it feels as if time itself has been halted in its tracks. Composing in the moment in front of a live audience is riding the relief and release of inspiration. Within six minutes Tippett/Bourne put down their markers and move into the new territory of this particular piece, now named Sympatico. It is not easy to land on a direction with all the sonic motifs displayed at the exact golden moment but that is what happens here. No wonder Matthew Bourne has expressed his own confidence in these performances. They are works of such power it is hard to comprehend how they were achieved in the prevailing circumstances. To hear both men reaching the heights of their combined genie is mesmerising. I hope someone in the 'establishment' media press is listening to Aeolian. By any stretch of the imagination, this double disc package should be Oscar-ed, Mercury-ed and given Platinum status. Some recordings transcend even their own intent, truly this is special."-Steve Day, September 2021