CD REVIEW – THE PETER HOPE COLLECTION
Mozart Records MR 31206

Following my review of the recent Peter Hope double CD set 'Through The Crystal', Steve Daniels, of Mozart Edition UK, kindly sent me a copy of this earlier CD, which was issued in 2007.

It was compiled as a showcase for the composer and publisher, and it is likely that copies would have been distributed to many radio, television and film companies both in the UK and overseas, for potential use in their productions.

This disc contains twenty-six tracks and although some titles are duplicated, the majority differ from those on the new set. All were composed during the 1960s and '70s, several – once again – under the pseudonym of William Gardner.

The compositions are a good mixture of up-tempo, medium and slower numbers, often with lush orchestral arrangements and illustrative of the variety of styles in which their writer was equally 'at home'. As I have previously remarked, Hope's creative talents display remarkable versatility.

The booklet notes mention that following a period of some two years of virtual withdrawal from music, Peter Hope returned to it and for a while concentrated chiefly on arranging, working for – amongst many others – José Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa and Jessye Norman.

However, since 1999, original composition has occupied most of his time, albeit largely for chamber forces, and includes a Bassoon Concertino. I believe that he is still actively writing, although I have no idea in which particular genre.

This CD is a worthy companion to 'Through The Crystal'; it may be obtained directly from www.editionuk.co.uk

© 2020 Tony Clayden