"combines a clear technique and transparent touch with a profound musical curiosity" — Gabrielle Claassen
On her latest BIS CD, British pianist Clare Hammond (° 1985) presents a richly filled programme of three British piano concertos from the twentieth century, accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of George Vass. Hammond resolutely chooses unknown paths and proves both her virtuosity and her intellectual finesse in works by William Walton (1902–1983), Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) and Michael Tippett (1905–1998).
Walton between bravura and refinement
Walton's Sinfonia concertante (1943)—originally conceived as ballet music—is lively and playful, full of stylistic quotations from contemporaries like Stravinsky and Poulenc, but always unmistakably Walton's. Hammond emphasises the dialogue between piano and orchestra rather than a battle between soloist and ensemble, with an elegant lightness of touch in the fast work and a warm lyrical touch in the slow middle section. Conductor Vass keeps the soundscape light and transparent, allowing Walton's witty humour to shine without losing any of the drama. Britten composed his Diversions (1940) for the one-armed pianist Paul Wittgenstein. Hammond sets the eleven variations to music as miniatures, each with its own character: playful, melancholic, sometimes bitingly ironic. Her profound knowledge of this score—she wrote her doctorate on it—is evident in her captivating interpretation. The “Nocturne” exudes a delicate poetry, while the virtuoso movements never lose their light touch. There is a perfect understanding here between soloist and orchestra, with Vass as a passionate accompanist. Tippett’s Piano Concerto (1955) is among his most compelling works. Hammond has an unerring sense of how to build tension: her sound is monumental without being overweight, and the climactic moments are all the more powerful. In the central Molto lento e tranquillo, pianist and orchestra navigate a labyrinth of sound and colour, with a clear vision and without falling into fog. In the final movement, the work bursts forth with a dancing vitality, bursting with musical fireworks. Vass keeps the sometimes heavy orchestration light, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra gives it its all.
More Than Bravura: Clare Hammond as an Explorer
Hammond is known as one of the most curious and versatile pianists of her generation. She combines a clear technique and transparent touch with a profound musical curiosity. Albums like Études (2014), which pairs classics with new etudes, her inventive Josef Mysliveček: Complete Keyboard Music, and the introspective Ghosts & Whispers (2021) are testament to this. Hammond is not only a virtuoso soloist, but also an inspiring chamber musician and an advocate of contemporary music. Her international recognition—including her recognition with the Royal Philharmonic Society's Young Artist Award—stems from her original vision, her sensitive choices, and her courage to explore uncharted territory. This recording is a textbook example: Hammond revalues forgotten masterpieces in a unique and profound way.
Conclusion: Highly recommended
British Piano Concertos: Walton, Britten & Tippett is a CD that captivates both for its program and its expressive and refined performance. Hammond makes the often complex scores sound as if they were self-evident: intelligent, emotional, and always in dialogue with the orchestra. For those who want to expand their repertoire and discover the richness of British modernism, Hammond's CD is highly recommended. An excellent testament to the British piano concerto, with Clare Hammond as a compelling ambassador.