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Angela Brownridge Piano "One of the world’s finest pianists."
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| Biography | Reviews | CDs with sound | New | ||
| Agents |
| Christine Talbot
Cooper
Stoneville Cottage,
Gretton Fields, Cheltenham, Glous. GL 54. 5HH. Tel. and fax. 01242 620736. Email: talbotcooper@onetel.net.uk |
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| BIOGRAPHY |
In common with other great artists such as Jaqueline du Pre and Shura Cherkasky, Angela Brownridge began her life in an atmosphere of freedom and individuality, virtually impossible to find today. Under the guidance of Maria Curcio, who had been a pupil of Schnabel for years, she absorbed the ability to produce every nuance of the piano, and to present music flexibly and persuasively. Instead of concentrating on a single method of piano technique, or on continual displays of brilliance, Angela learned to deal with the differing requirements of a varied range of composers which recalls Cortot in his prime. Indeed, by realising that many pianists of a bygone age, such as Cortot, Lipatti, Solomon, and Rubenstein, played with far more individualty, magic and inspiration than has become the fashion, she was able to develop her own unique musical personality. In an age which has become over-fascinated with mere technique, and which seeks a degree of ‘perfection’ offered by over-edited CDs, Angela Brownridge restores personality, character, and beauty of sound to the platform. These rare qualities are increasingly being identified in her live performances and recordings. A child prodigy, equally talented in composition, extemporisation, and technically brilliant, Angela first performed in public at the age of seven, and a year later had several pieces published. By the age of ten she had given her first concerto performance, and in her early teens was appearing regularly as a recitalist and concerto performer throughout Great Britain and abroad. She later won a piano scholarship to Edinburgh University, and after graduating B. Mus. was awarded a further scholarship for a two-year period of study in Rome with Guido Agosti. As the winner of several competitions she was able to continue her studies with Maria Curcio in London, where she now lives. Since then Angela has appeared in all the major London concert halls, and has visited Eastern and Western Europe, the USA, Canada, and the Far East, as well as performing extensively in the UK. She has been a soloist with many leading orchestras and conductors, and International Festival engagements include Bath, Edinburgh, Warwick, Newport Rhode Island, Bratislava, Brno, Hong Kong, and Maastricht. Angela broadcasts regularly for the BBC. and other radio stations throughout the world. She has recorded with EMI, Meridian, Hyperion, United, BMG, and Classic FM in a solo capacity, and with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Her recorded repertoire is very varied, including some first ever collections of the complete piano music of Barber and Gershwin. Her recordings have received worldwide critical acclaim, several being voted "Critics’ Choice" by Hi-Fi News. She has also appeared on BBC TV in programmes which have involved her in discussion about the music she has performed. She often gives lecture recitals and masterclasses, and maintains her love of improvisation which has led her on occasions into the world of jazz.
In 2004 Angela recorded the complete piano works of Kenneth Leighton who was
her professor in harmony, counterpoint, and composition at Edinburgh
University where she was on a piano scholarship. Leighton, who died in 1988
has been described as "the most important British composer of piano
music of the twentieth century". The three CD set is available on the
Delphian label: DCD 34301.
Recitals in 2005 in which Angela included works by Leighton are listed under
the "New" section below.
In November 2005, Angela became Musical Director of the Piano Academy at Dean Clough in Halifax, Yorkshire, hosting weekends of masterclasses for students, adults at all levels of performance and observers. For more details, go to www.pianoacademy.co.uk Recent engagements have taken Angela to the USA and in the UK she will be presenting a series of programmes entitled, 'Two Sides of the Piano', combining jazz and classical music. |
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| REVIEWS |
| "One of the world’s finest pianists." New York Times |
| "...true genius, and genius it is. Her performances were passionate, rhapsodic, and totally compelling. Angela brownridge is a marvellously exciting artist, and a powerfuly assertive pianist, with a strong sense of musical structure." The Guardian |
| "Her supple fingers had barely traversed the first few notes before it became clear we were in for a rare treat. Brownridge’s performances were enhanced by her velvety keyboard touch, stunningly beautiful tone, and an extraordinary command of nuance. She has the ability to hold the audience by the intensity of her interpretations, and brought the music alive with wonderful clarity and dramatic force. The authority with which she presented an adventurous programme was electrifying, of which passion and total dedication were the keynotes. She is an artist of the highest calibre, standing tall with the leading pianists of today." The Daily Telegraph |
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| RECORDINGS | |
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Click on the sleeves to hear an
excerpt from each recording. These are streamed RealAudio
files. To obtain a free copy of the RealAudio player, click on the
icon, below: |
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Conifer Classics 75605 51290 2 |
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| Angela Brownridge is Liszt's interpreter par excellence. She negotiates the demands of the virtuoso passages with consummate ease, which allows her to concentrate on the content and character of the music. Her captivating and natural interpretation coupled with the exceptional sound makes this pianist more than a match for the great Liszt interpreters such as Arrau, Berman and Bolet. No better recommendation could be given. Prague Magazine of Music Culture | |
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Helios CDH88039 |
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| In the Album for the Young it takes a formidable pianist of Angela Brownridge's standing really to do justice to these miniatures. Were I to choose just one piece to illustrate this artist's remarkable gifts, it would be Mignon where she demonstrates her intrinsic sensitivity and beauty of tone. | |
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ASC CD QSS 262 2CDs |
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| The solo playing is consistently fresh and has
plenty of dash, and there is no lack of brilliance of attack. Angela
Brownridge brings a flexibly romantic feeling to slow movements which is
most appealing. her imrpovisatory approach to the almost Bachian first
movement of No.2 is impressive and followed by a sparkling Scherzo. The Gramophone |
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Hyperion Helios CDH55006 |
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| A brilliantly accomplished pianist, assured, passionate and hugely
versatile. Gershwin is in her blood. She has a nice line in
syncopation, understands the importance of the bass in generating forward
thrust, and uses the pedal with propoer restraint. An enchanting disc
for all who love Gershwin's music. BBC Music Magazine |
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Gala-United CACD 88008 |
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| She plays with enormous flamboyance and
subtlety. Her fingers fly around with uncanny ease and fluidity even
in the loudest passages, and her thoughtful control of dynamics and nuance
remind me of the legendary Solomon. The recording has a warm sound
that captures every sensuous nuance of these wonderful performances, as well
as the enormous power Brownridge unleashes when she wishes. Absolute Sound Magazine, USA |
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Delphian DCD34301 |
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Kenneth Leighton complete solo piano works - 3
discs Angela Brownridge is a virtuoso pianist who studied harmony and counterpoint with Leighton in Edinburgh. She is completely inside this music, the technical demands of which are often great. Giving the impression that this exercise was a labour of love, she has been backed up with a first class recordings.' MusicWeb |
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CDs of performances by Angela Brownridge can be purchased securely on-line at:
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