SKU: HL.14041529

ISBN 9781849388214.

Lord Berners (1883-1950) was one of the most idiosyncratic and fascinating personalities in British music.

He became a pioneer in the avant-garde when he wrote his first music whilst living in Rome as adiplomat during World War 1; Balanchine choreographed his first two ballets and Ashton the next three; in 1931 he had the first exhibition of his paintings; in 1934 he published the first volume of his autobiography, FirstChildhood, and two years later his first novel, The Camel -- and three more novels came out in 1941.

On top of all this during the 1930s, known as 'the versatile peer', he increasingly gained a reputation as an eccentric,which he realised was good for publicity.

A wry humour pervades everything, as in these three sets of piano duets. Berners' songs and piano music, too, are as full of whimsical references as those of Erik Satie -- he hasbeen called the English Satie and the Ronald Firbank of music.

Berners was not prolific but whatever he did was stamped with his own fastidious accomplishment. He may not have been the last eccentric but his music, writingand painting combine to make him one of the most rewarding.

SKU: HL.14032015

ISBN 9780711991903.

Over the weekend of 7th July 2001, composers from many countries came together at La Leprara, in Marino near Rome in celebration of Hans Werner Henze's 75th Birthday. Eleven new works were performed, forming the content of this collection of works for one or two pianos. Suitable for advanced pianists.