HERBERT HOWELLS (1892-1983): Complete Works for Violin and Piano - Sonata in B Minor, Slow Air, Country Tune, Lento, assai espressivo (World Premiere Recordings), Sonata No 1 in E, Op. 18, Sonata No. 2 in E Flat, Op. 26 (World Premiere Recording of Restored Original Version), Sonata No. 3 in E Minor, Op. 38, Cradle Song, Op, 9/1, 3 Pieces, Op. 28.

Description: Before his first encounter with the music of Vaughan Williams, which would impact stylistically the rest of the works on this set, Howells was completely in thrall (as were most other very young English composers) to Elgar's and it is this latter whom you will hear throughout the 40-minute sonata from 1911. Gerontius and the violin concerto are the main points of reference in this remarkably ambitious work which was likely meant as part of Howells' scholarship application to the Royal College of Music. NOTE: The "Restored Original Version" of the Second Sonata consists of reinserting a fourth movement which the composer took out and used for the Third Sonata. 2 CDs. Rupert Marshall-Luck (violin), Matthew Rickard (piano).