Edward MacDowell - Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (John Wilson)

Information

Composer: Edward MacDowell

• Hamlet and Ophelia, Op. 22
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 23
• Romanze in E Minor, Op. 35
• Suite (No. 1) in A Minor, Op. 42

Xiayin Wang, piano

Peter Dixon, cello

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

John Wilson, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Chandos

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In 1884, Edward MacDowell and his wife Marian were inspired by Shakespeare performances in London, prompting the composer to sketch character pieces, of which Hamlet and Ophelia were published in 1885. Music from an unfinished sketch later formed part of his Second Piano Concerto, premiered by MacDowell himself in New York in 1889 after the couple’s return from Germany. Written in 1887, the Romanze for Cello and Orchestra was dedicated to David Popper. MacDowell’s Suite in A minor, composed after settling in Boston, reflects his love of nature and was first performed in 1895 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Emil Paur.

John Wilson (b. 1972, Gateshead) is a renowned conductor and Fellow of the Royal College of Music. He regularly guest conducts leading orchestras worldwide, including the London Symphony, Concertgebouw, Oslo Philharmonic, and Sydney Symphony, as well as productions at English National Opera and Glyndebourne. In 2018 he relaunched Sinfonia of London, achieving award-winning recordings praised for their range and artistry, and made a triumphant BBC Proms debut in 2021. His acclaimed discography includes Respighi’s Roman Trilogy and Dutilleux’s early works, both BBC Music Magazine Award winners. Honored with the ISM Distinguished Musician Award in 2019, he also holds the Henry Wood Chair of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music.

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