Mark Bebbington completes his John Ireland journey

20 August 2012, 11:23 | Updated: 20 August 2012, 12:16

Pianist's fourth instalment in his Ireland series uncovers previously unheard material from new transcriptions.

Mark Bebbington is to release the final chapter of his exploration of English composer John Ireland's piano works in September. It is the only recording so far to have included material from previously undiscovered manuscripts and transcriptions released by the John Ireland Trust.

The collection includes the premiere recording of Ireland's 'Epic March', alongside a series of piano miniatures. The tracklisting also includes Ireland's 'Three Pastels', 'In Those Days' and 'Leaves from a Child's Sketchbook'.

Recording extensively for the SOMM New Horizons label, Bebbington has earned a reputation as one of Britain's finest pianists. Ireland, who was born 133 years ago last Monday, was a renowned composer of piano music. Perhaps his most famous composition, though, is the popular hymn 'My Song Is Love Unknown'.