With the release of an EP of piano music by distinguished Welsh composer Brian Hughes, Tŷ Cerdd and Pyst are announcing a new relationship.
The Tŷ Cerdd Records catalogue has flourished since the label’s inception 10 years ago, and now boasts over 30 titles – from recordings of celebrated composers from the rich heritage of Welsh music, to brand new contemporary-classical, jazz and folk releases. From June 2024, the whole catalogue will be digitally distributed by Pyst, cementing the label’s commitment to Wales and the nation’s musical infrastucture.
This latest EP, Contrasts is a cycle of seven short pieces that explore a range of piano techniques – from chordal textures with extended use of the pedal, slow cantabile lines, to staccato layers of counterpoint.
Of the closing work, Prelude and Fugue on ‘Louvain’, Brian Hughes writes: “In 1914 the Belgian city of Louvain was utterly destroyed by the German army. Refugees from that city of culture found their way to the mining village of Rhosllannerchrugog in North Wales, and were housed in Bethlehem Chapel, where Dr Caradog Roberts was organist. He published the hymn tune ‘Louvain’ in 1916, and it forms the basis of this prelude and fugue.“
Deborah Keyser, Tŷ Cerdd’s Director, said: “We’re so proud to celebrate Welsh music through Tŷ Cerdd Records, and partnering Pyst to reach new audiences far and wide is such a positive developent for the label. We couldn’t ask for a more special recording to kick-off the relationship – Brian Hughes’s exquisite miniatures give a beautiful and immediate insight into his remarkable soundwork, especially in these crystalline erformances by award-winning pianist Llŷr Williams.”
TCR044: Contrasts
Brian Hughes (composer) / Llŷr Williams (piano)
Tracks 1 to 7: Contrasts I - VII
Track 8: Prelude & Fugue on “Louvain”
Total duration: 15’12”
For release on Tŷ Cerdd Records (TCR044) 21 June 2024
available to stream and download on all major platforms