Product Description Following her critically acclaimed coupling of the Britten & Barber Piano Concertos with the London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Joy Roe enlightens the extraordinary world of John Field. Field, an Irish composer, is regarded as the "Father of the Nocturne" who predates Chopin. This release is the first recording of all 18 Nocturnes on a single album. Review Well done to Elizabeth Joy Roe for championing the piece [Barber]; she should win it many friends . . . Britten's Nocturne is rather breath-taking and, surprisingly, reminds of Chopin. It invites many listens. --Classical SourceRoe brings an incisive and well-articulated touch to the ebullient first movement of the Britten . . . Her treatment of the Impromptu is lyrical and tender --BBC Music MagazineRoe's pinpoint playing allows the elegiac slow movement to speak with a cool-headed intimacy --Gramophone
K**Y
Soulful music like a soothing balm........
I have read some reviews elsewhere on this CD collection of Nocturnes by Field. They are SO critical and that really saddens me. These pieces are beautifully played. The piano is deep and full. They playing is perfect! I've seen some things written indicating the music is boring. I don't find it boring at all. It's not break-the-piano hard or fast and intense like some pieces are. I understand Chopin took off with the whole nocturne experience and added many feelings to the music. Personally, I love the pieces that Mr. Field wrote better. They are in a class all by themselves. If you are looking for something really beautiful that you can listen to for a long while, this is it. Peaceful, beautiful and I find soothing--especially in these times. I am so happy to have this collection and I am delighted by the piano the pieces are played on and by the beautiful artist, Miss Roe, who performs beautifully! I'm not a music critic...just a person who loves much and is delighted with this collection!
J**Y
Highly recommended
I wasn't actively looking for a set of Field's nocturnes, but was more than happy to pick one up as the occasion arose. This one came on the scene earlier this year from fellow Chicagoan Elizabeth Roe, and I was happy to give it a try. And what a treat.I'm no expert on Field or on nocturnes generally, but Roe's playing is so seductive and elegant, it fits the mood extremely well. It may be the only recording of the nocturnes you'll need for the forseeable future, and is pretty much complete...the notes indicate this is the first time all 18 nocturnes have appeared on one CD...86 minutes worth. Worth the investment, methinks. You might not want to play all 18 in one sitting, but on the other hand, for those long evenings over a glass of wine, a candle and.....well, you get the idea...they'd be perfect.Roe wrote her own notes, with her thoughts on the music. Always a nice touch, especially when the note are this lucid.
B**N
It's Worth It!
They have sample music of this cd on youtube.com. I've been listening to it for months. I purchased the CD thru Amazon and sent it to my sister in law as a birthday gift. She told me, after she listened to it, that it's very good and she's amazed and likes it so much. Can't contain my excitement anymore so I bought one for myself. It's money well spent. I read a review sometime ago that John Field's nocturnes are placid. I have Benjamin Frith's version (both CDs) for years now. But the way Elizabeth Joy Roe played it is like a breath of fresh air. I think I'm in love.
X**C
Listen to see for yourself
Mesmerizing, hypnotic at the same time. Seems to take control of you and entrance you in the true Nocturne style. Recording dynamics excellent and very well recorded, appears almost as if live performance acoustics. You won't go to sleep hearing this.
D**R
A little night music.
These nocturnes by the Irish composer John Fields are not as well known as those by Chopin, but in my mind they are just as significant an achievement. In fact Fields is credited as developing the form. These interpretations by Elizabeth Joe Roe are consistently thoughtful and well measured. They find a good balance between quiet contemplation and forward movement through each piece. Highly recommended for late night listening whether all alone or with that special someone.
J**E
Early Nocturnes well performed
very good performance of interesting precursors to Chopin and Lizt
M**N
Relax and Enjoy these Mellow Sounds
Being a long time fan of Chopin's nocturnes, and even attempting to play some, I was interested to learn about John Field and his innovative nocturnes composed before Chopin got into the groove. Elizabeth has written an excellent introduction to Field and the nocturne form in her liner notes, and it sets one up to observe the nuances and detail while listening to the 18 compositions. I am also a fan of Elizabeth Roe, having enjoyed her musical duets, arrangements, and videos with Anderson on several CDs/DVDs, and knew her performance on this release would be impeccable.
D**K
Superb piano pieces
86+ minutes! Wow! All of John Field's nocturnes on one disc and beautifully played and recorded at that. Play these pieces with your coffee inthe morning or during hours of evening relaxation. All at a bargain price.
