Recordings
Peter Harrison records exclusively for the Divine Art Group
The Georgian Flute
Although George Frederick Handel dominated the music scene in mid-eighteenth century England there were many talented native musicians producing fine distinctive works. Five sonatas by English composers of music for the flute are contrasted with solo tunes from the ‘pocket books’. All of the music on the disc was researched in the British Library and is recorded here for the first time on instruments of the period - mellow boxwood flute, gut-strung ‘cello and harpsichord.
Classical Music for Flutes
Concert Royal’s Peter Harrison and Rachel Gray teamed up with Lesley Holliday of The Galeazzi Ensemble to record this unique collection of classical trios and duets, including Haydn's well-known ‘London’ Trios. Haydn wrote the trios during his second acclaimed concert tour in England in 1794.
The Jane Austen Collection
This CD features songs and instrumental music drawn from Jane Austen's own collection. Brief extracts from letters and novels provide a fascinating glimpse into Jane's musical world.
Margarette Ashton; soprano, Peter Harrison; flute,
Rachel Gray; violoncello, John Treherne; square piano
Blow the Wind Southerly
A collection of 14 songs in Victorian parlour settings from the north east of England, interspersed with contemporary instrumental pieces. Favourite Tyneside songs The Keel Row, Bobby Shaftoe, Water of Tyne and Blow the Wind Southerly are contrasted with less-known pieces such as The Grace Darling Song, which tells the story of the heroic rescue in 1837. Newcastle-born soprano Margarette Ashton is accompanied on historic instruments, recapturing the sound world of the Victorian parlour.
Concerti from opus 9: Charles Avison
String players Rebekah Durston, Simon Jones, Duncan Druce and Jane McDermott and organist John Green joined members of Concert Royal in this first recording of Charles Avison’s Concerti op9. Avison was a most influential figure in English c18 century musical life. He remained as organist in his home town of Newcastle despite offers of prestigious posts elsewhere. His concerti demonstrate great ingenuity and variety.
