Alex Wilson - The Frederick Septimus Kelly Project (2023)

The Frederick Septimus Kelly Project is a collaboration between pianist Alex Wilson and composer Sadie Harrison that celebrates the life and work of British-Australian pianist, composer, Olympic rower and war hero F.S.Kelly.

Frederick Septimus Kelly (nicknamed Cleg) has been described as 'Australia's greatest cultural loss of the First World War…the greatest amateur rower of his day, a brilliant pianist and a composer of genius' (Christopher Latham). He was killed at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, aged 35, leaving behind a collection of works that are reminiscent of music by Scriabin, Chopin, Rachmaninov and Vaughan Williams. He was perhaps Australia's first great Romantic composer.

This solo piano release features the first recording of Harrison's 'To dear Cleg': 10 Portraits of Frederick Septimus Kelly - pieces that illuminate Kelly's diary entries or letters from friends and fellow soldiers, and interweave music by classical and romantic composers from his performing repertoire alongside traditional tunes associated with Kelly's life, in a homage that tell Kelly's story better than words ever could. We also hear highlights from Kelly's 'Twelve Studies' Op. 9 and '24 Monographs' Op. 11, youthfully exuberant music that is full of feeling and emotional depth.

The Frederick Septimus Kelly Project successfully combines Kelly's own piano music and Harrison's masterful new work to reflect and celebrate significant moments in his life. Kelly's story really seems to resonate with music, wartime history and historical sporting enthusiasts alike, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to link the work of a neglected historical figure, who deserves greater limelight, with this new commission from one of our leading contemporary composers.

'Kelly's directly expressive, often headily romantic writing and Sadie Harrison's sympathetic and perceptive reflections on his life and works complemented each other superbly well….This concert provided a warm and worthy tribute to Kelly's memory. It also signalled the generosity of spirit that lies behind Sadie Harrison's inclusive and insightful creativity.'

Paul Conway, writing in the Apr-Jun edition of Musical Opinion following the world premiere of 'To dear Cleg' at Southwark Cathedral, 30th October 2021.

"…..Alex Wilson gave a strong performance, exploring the instrument's capacity for percussiveness and volume. Wilson's excellent performance helped communicate highly fanciful and subjective messages through the shortest of musical mediums….." - Ben Hodgwood, Classical Source

Tracklist
01. ‘…to the Unobservant, All Babies Seem Alike…’
02. Study No 1
03. ‘…the Touch of a Vanish’d Hand…’
04. Study No 8
05. ‘…an Absurd Little Wooden Boat…’
06. Monograph No 19
07. 'Winning Gold'
08. Monograph No 18
09. ‘…Beethoven Worshippers Gasped…’
10. Study No 12
11. ‘…in the Light of a Clouded Half-moon…’
12. Monograph No 9
13. Monograph No 22
14. ‘One is One and All Alone and Ever More Shall be So!’
15. Study No 9
16. ‘To Dear Cleg’
17. ‘…a Sea of Lacerated Earth…’
18. Monograph No 15
19. Monograph No 24
20. ‘…a Rare and Beloved Creature…’