HOLST Cotswolds Symphony etc: Classical CD Reviews- Dec 1999. Music on the Web(UK)

Classical Editor: Rob Barnett

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HOLST Cotswolds Symphony; Ballet Music from The Perfect Fool; A Hampshire Suite; Walt Whitman Overture, Scherzo for Orchestra.

Munich Symphony Orchestra/Douglas Bostock

ClassicO CLASSCD 284 65:00 min

Crotchet

Amazon

This is another welcome release hailing from the Classico stable in their enterprising British music series. Although the 'Cotswolds' is no lost masterpiece, it is indeed a pleasurable piece of music and is thoroughly deserving of this, its premiere recording. By far the most substantial movement is the second subtitled, 'Elegy to William Morris', which is both passionate and strikingly artistic in its deep sense of palpable longing. I also enjoyed the outer movements which march along in the best British fashion, although there is nothing like the inventivity and originality of say, 'The Planets'.
Bostock and his German players bring committed advocacy to the music and I fail to understand AA's recent deploration of these interpreters (vide past Gramophones) in previous issues of this cycle. Such biased opinions will further deplete the chances of British music to take wing in international quarters and not remain an exclusive, almost snobbish homespun product.
The rumbustious and joyously raucous 'Walt Whitman' Overture moves along in typical Marching Song style, it is mystifying why such tuneful music remained unrecorded for so long. The folk melodies of the 'Hampshire Suite' are also quite convincingly sounded in orchestral style, the music makes the transition from band to orchestra with remarkable sleekness. I enjoyed the 'Perfect Fool', but we are hardly in need of another version, having counted four excellent recordings in my modest collection, one awaits a complete recording of this score with anticipation.
Bostock chooses to end the disc with the comparatively rare Scherzo from an unfinished symphony, a lovely gem but nothing much more nonetheless. The orchestra is an audacious persuader for this music and Douglas Bostock's committed and deeply prepared performances set the seal on what should be an essential disc for all lovers of British music. Lyndon Jenkins' notes are something else!
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:

See also previous review by Richard Adams

Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:

Sound:

Reviews from previous months

Reviews carry sales links
but you can also purchase
from:

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		This is another welcome release hailing from the Classico stable in their enterprising British music series. Although the 'Cotswolds' is no lost masterpiece, it is indeed a pleasurable piece of music and is thoroughly deserving of this, its premiere recording. By far the most substantial movement is the second subtitled, 'Elegy to William Morris', which is both passionate and strikingly artistic in its deep sense of palpable longing. I also enjoyed the outer movements which march along in the best British fashion, although there is nothing like the inventivity and originality of say, 'The Planets'. Bostock and his German players bring committed advocacy to the music and I fail to understand AA's recent deploration of these interpreters (vide past Gramophones) in previous issues of this cycle. Such biased opinions will further deplete the chances of British music to take wing in international quarters and not remain an exclusive, almost snobbish homespun product. The rumbustious and joyously raucous 'Walt Whitman' Overture moves along in typical Marching Song style, it is mystifying why such tuneful music remained unrecorded for so long. The folk melodies of the 'Hampshire Suite' are also quite convincingly sounded in orchestral style, the music makes the transition from band to orchestra with remarkable sleekness. I enjoyed the 'Perfect Fool', but we are hardly in need of another version, having counted four excellent recordings in my modest collection, one awaits a complete recording of this score with anticipation. Bostock chooses to end the disc with the comparatively rare Scherzo from an unfinished symphony, a lovely gem but nothing much more nonetheless. The orchestra is an audacious persuader for this music and Douglas Bostock's committed and deeply prepared performances set the seal on what should be an essential disc for all lovers of British music. Lyndon Jenkins' notes are something else! Reviewer Gerald Fenech Performance: Sound: See also previous review by Richard Adams	Reviewer Gerald Fenech Performance: Sound: Reviews from previous months Reviews carry sales links but you can also purchase from:
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