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Post by jandl100 on Jun 1, 2018 7:25:21 GMT
Malcolm Arnold - English composer 1921 - 2006. A trumpet player by early training and profession, 100% a composer from the age of 30. Composed a lot of film music as well as traditional classical music - Bridge on the River Kwai and the Inn of the 6th Happiness amongst many others. He was a bit of a lad, to say the least, and had an "eventful" life - see Wiki for the lowdown en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_ArnoldBut the important point here is that he composed some fantastic music. A trumpeter at heart, his music is often big and bold & soulful and tuneful by turns. The 1st symphony is an excellent example of this - so why not give it a few listens?  There are a few recordings, but the one I recommend to start you off is by Richard Hickox on Chandos, where the big & bold music is presented with a big and bold recording. Don't be shy, play it loud!open.qobuz.com/album/0095115185322 |
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 1, 2018 12:43:39 GMT
Thanks Jerry! This is entirely new for me, so looking forward to it ... |
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Post by Slinger on Jun 1, 2018 13:01:40 GMT
As I believe you know, Jerry, I'm a fan of English classical compositions so I'm looking forward to this. Arnold is a bit of a gap in my collection. I've got his Symphony for Brass Instruments, his Guitar Concerto, his Cello Concerto, obviously,  and some other bits and bobs, but I'm sadly lacking on the symphony front. I shall, of course, blame you for costing me money if I like this. |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 2, 2018 8:25:44 GMT
He's new to me, I don't have anything of his. Thanks, will listen later.
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Post by Slinger on Jun 2, 2018 15:49:57 GMT
Definitely 4/5 - Great British music. I may try the Sony set, which comprises the Vernon Handley symphony cycle and everything else of Arnold's that was recorded for Conifer, over 11 CDs.
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 2, 2018 18:58:35 GMT
Definitely 4/ 5 - Great British music. I agree. With periods of 5/5 imo. |
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 5, 2018 12:28:28 GMT
Late to the party but I'm really enjoying this. Going to listen for a second time as it does need cranking as Jerry has said!  |
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 6, 2018 14:05:08 GMT
Paging the man @tonyc!
Now that I know you like a bit of M. Arnold, had you noticed this?
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2018 15:06:04 GMT
Hi Jules oddly enough yes
The Sussex piece is superb just great music and gives the system a work out as well
I will dig out some in the couple of days I have an amp to finish first!
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Post by MartinT on Jun 7, 2018 6:12:10 GMT
I'm still listening but haven't had time to play all of the symphonies yet. However, it's the first symphony you've offered us here so I'll comment on that. Very rousing and very slightly Shostakovich in style (although with a different tonal slant) and by 1949 he may have heard or seen some of Shossy's music. It's also very well played by the LSO (always ultra reliable) and Hickox.
I'm going with 4/5 but I shall listen to it some more as I don't feel familiar with it yet.
P.S. Chandos are pretty reliable, too.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 7, 2018 13:12:47 GMT
I think there is a pattern developing here - 4/5 from the Highgate jury ...
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 7, 2018 13:27:00 GMT
And I've found Symphonies 1, 2 and 5 on vinyl ...  |
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Post by Slinger on Jun 7, 2018 14:55:37 GMT
I've always been of the opinion that English composers are hugely undervalued in the classical world, even the "famous" ones. Take Ralph Vaughan Williams for instance. The Lark Ascending, Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis, Fantasia On Greensleeves, On Wenlock Edge at a stretch...how many others do you know? He wrote nine symphonies, ballets, concerti, hymns, choral music, vocal music, chamber music, even film music, and yet so much of it lies undiscovered by the general classical-loving public. Holst, Elgar, Delius, Parry, Bax, Bridge, Bantock, Warlock; these are all names you've probably heard with large bodies of work you probably haven't. What are you waiting for? Ok, sorry, as you were, advert over. |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 7, 2018 18:54:54 GMT
I've got some Bax symphonies, do I get let off? |
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Post by Tim on Jun 7, 2018 19:29:31 GMT
I know the name Jerry, but that's as far as it goes, so it'll be interesting trying something new. Diving in shortly . . .
EDIT: I do know his work, I've heard the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing his symphonies, in fact I think I've got some in storage - I used to be a season ticket holder for the BSO.
I'm enjoying this a lot |
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Post by Slinger on Jun 7, 2018 19:53:47 GMT
I've got some Bax symphonies, do I get let off? Let's just call it "a start" shall we? |
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Post by Tim on Jun 7, 2018 20:23:06 GMT
Yup, I liked it a lot 4/5 and I'm still going, on Symphony No. 2 now - thanks Jerry |
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 8, 2018 11:17:24 GMT
I preferred Symphony 2 purely because the longer slow movement really holds the attention ...
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 9, 2018 15:46:00 GMT
Looking forward to spinning this Arnold Overtures 'Reference Recording' which TonyC has kindly lent me ...  |
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Post by MartinT on Apr 9, 2019 6:27:34 GMT
Playing this symphony again, it really is superb. Why is Arnold not more lauded as a symphonist?
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and some other bits and bobs, but I'm sadly lacking on the symphony front. I shall, of course, blame you for costing me money if I like this.
