Metronome Recordings Ltd MET CD 1058 (September 2002 release) Contents: Snowdrift O, schöner Mai Verdi Transcription X Free Setting Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sind Stanley Stokes, East Street 1836 Poor Stuff from The History of Photography in Sound: Alkan-Paganini - an imaginary portrait Etched bright with sunlight

Sound sample: Verdi Transcription X (complete) - MP3 128kbps - total size 3629kb
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Sleeve notes

• "This is a very attractive recital for both the Finnissy enthusiast and the curious. It presents a range of works and styles from across the composer's career, reaching as far back as the early Snowdrift (1972) and O, schöner Mai (1967/89). Hodges is particularly adept at conveying the composer's sophisticated approach to his sources, keeping sight of the simple ideas that often underpin the surface complexities. He has the confidence, for instance, to allow space for the music to breath in the left-hand, right-hand, hands-together study in transcription and virtuosity of Alkan-Paganini, the first of two pieces from the recent five-and-a-half-hour cycle The History of Photography in Sound, making this an essential disc for devotees. It concludes [with], and is dominated by the final movement of History, Etched Bright with Sunlight. In the context of a complete performance of the cycle, this is a scintillating and succinct codetta. It is a shock, then, to be reminded in the cold light of day that this richly coloured tapestry itself last nearly half an hour. That it succeeds as a work in its own right is in no doubt under Hodges's fingers, providing a substantial and exhilarating conclusion to a marvellous recital."
  Christopher Dingle, BBC Music Magazine, August 2003
• Sunday Times Album of the Year
  "Hodges makes every note sparkle. His rare touch is felt in the icicle-tinkle of Snowdrift. His command of the unbelievably elaborate, half-hour title piece is astonishing; and he is seduction itself in the Strauss waltz transcription, O, schöner Mai." [full text here]
  Paul Driver, Sunday Times, 17 November 2002

See Nicolas Hodges' other Finnissy release here

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