Kate Loder (1825-1904), a child prodigy pianist from a distinguished musical family, entered the Royal Academy of Music at 13 and became a celebrated soloist – only to bow to the pressure of the time to give up public appearances after she married. She concentrated instead on composing and teaching, producing two books of virtuosic studies and several miniatures, all recorded here for the first time. Mendelssohn and Chopin’s influence is evident and Ian Hobson, who has also championed the music of Kate’s cousin Edward Loder, has total command of it all. The studies weren’t intended to be heard in one sitting, so while there is much to admire it doesn’t make an ideal programme.
