In the 19th century, musical output in Great Britain was often considered to be at a low point in composition, after the enthusiasm for Handel had waned and European composers had come to dominate British concert halls. However, recent studies are bringing to light numerous neglected works by British composers of this era, which could spark a revival of interest in English music.
This recording presents compositions by William Sterndale Bennett and Francis Edward Bache. While Bennett is recognized as a major figure in the British music scene, Bache—a promising, yet never fully realized talent—remains in the background. Both found artistic inspiration in Leipzig, where they maintained close ties with Mendelssohn and Schumann.
Bennett's Caprice in E major, Op. 22, is characterized as spirited and captivating. His Piano Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 19, follows a classical Romantic structure. Schumann praised Bennett's work for its elegant melodies and lyrical character. The premiere of Bennett's Piano Concerto at the Gewandhaus in 1839 was met with great acclaim.
Francis Bache, a student of Bennett's, completed his Piano Concerto in E major, Op. 18, in Leipzig in 1856. Bache's work clearly shows the influence of Mendelssohn, particularly in the artful fusion of musical elements and harmonic transitions.
Bache's concerto clearly reveals his independent artistic perspective, even though he drew inspiration from Bennett and other foreign influences. His fresh musical approach and creative versatility lend his work continued relevance today.