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MALCOLM ARNOLD
:
Symphony No. 5,
Divertimento No. 2,
Symphonic Study: 'Machines',
Sarabande and Polka,
The Belles of St. Trinians.
Munich Symphony Orchestra Douglas Bostock.
Classico CLASSCD294 61m DDD.

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This is the sixth volume of CLASSICO's British Symphonic Collection that has already yielded some most welcome releases of unfamiliar British music. The most substantial piece is of course the Fifth Symphony (1961). Douglas Bostock's reading has to compete with three superb performances of the piece by Hickox (CHANDOS), Handley (CONIFER) and the composer (EMI). Good as this performance is, it is no match for any of the others. There are many fine moments in this reading. I find the slow movement and parts of the other movements particularly successful though the whole performance fails to convince completely. This may partly be due to the orchestra's comparative unfamiliarity with the music but also to the acoustics which tend to blur some of the brass' aggressive interjections that, to me at least, are somewhat lacking in contrasts. In their readings Hickox and Handley rather emphasized these contrasts, especially so in the first movement whereas Bostock rather tends to emphasize the thematic unity of the movement. The result is that he is inclined, as it were, to soften the edges (if I may put it like that). On the other hand this is the first reading of the piece which made me notice the importance of the opening oboe tune on which much of the ensuing music is based. Generally speaking though I find the brass lacking in bite (good as they are) and articulation. This is particularly noticeable in the Scherzo and the Finale. Bostock's reading of the Fifth Symphony may not be to everyone's taste but it nevertheless offers a quite viable view of this masterpiece in Arnold's symphonic output.

The shorter pieces fare much better possibly because they require a more limited concentration than the Fifth does. The Divertimento No. 2 is the reworking of an earlier Divertimento No. 2 (1950) of which the central Tango was replaced by the present Nocturne. The Op. 75 work was recorded years ago by the Leicestershire Schools SO (PYE GSGC 14103 - 1967 nla) and has been rarely heard, if at all, since then. It is vintage lighter Arnold and is comparable to the Little Suites - a short piece in three contrasted movements, i.e. a brilliant Fanfare, a poetic Nocturne and an exuberant Chaconne. The Symphonic Study Machines (1951) is a reworking of music written in 1948 for a documentary film Report on Steel. It may thus be compared with the Sound Barrier Rhapsody also derived from an earlier film score, but the music for Machines is much more integrated in that its final concert shape is cast rather in the form of a theme and variations than a mere fantasy on themes from the film as is the case with the Rhapsody. In any case this is a worthwhile addition to Arnold's steadily expanding discography. Sarabande and Polka were composed for the ballet devised by Macmillan on the two sets of English Dances though the dances are played in a different order. The Sarabande is a dreamy slow dance whereas the Polka is a rumbustious short Scherzo for wind and percussion imitating, or should I say, mimicking brass band playing style, particularly so in the middle section. Bostock is faster than Arnold who again laid more emphasis on contrasts, especially in the percussion thwacks in the Polka. The suite The Belles of St Trinians was arranged by the late Christopher Palmer. It is a very enjoyable trifle, full of colour, humour and orchestral brilliance. A jolly fine conclusion to this worthwhile release that which Arnoldians will really want for the shorter, unrecorded pieces even if there are better performances of the Fifth Symphony available commercially.

Reviewer

Hubert Culot

And Gerald Fenech adds

Here is another volume in the excellent British Symphonic Collection from Classico, this time focusing on Malcolm Arnold. Coupling his most popular symphony with rare works was a masterstroke by Douglas Bostock who turns out extremely well played and interpretatively rich performances of all the pieces recorded. The Fifth is given a passionate reading, rather similar to the composer's own on EMI and altogether preferable to Hickox's occasionally too studied but otherwise excellent account on Chandos. The Munich Orchestra play with remarkable character for a non-British orchestra and are living proof of the international appeal of British music. The 2nd Divertimento is excellently played with a rousing fanfare and a rumbustious Allegro con spirito that fairly leapt out of my modest speakers. 'Machines' is indeed Mosolov style but I had myself imagining the huge industry of steel and coal in the North (after all Arnold came from Northampton) with its ominous grindings and mix of sweat and tears that is the essence of socially unjust industrialism. The Sarabande and Polka is delightful and I would relish a complete recording of the ballet, 'Solitaire'. Finally we have the 'Belles of St Trinians' Suite, a charmingly descriptive score that perfectly recreates the mood of the film. Classico have once again called on the inestimable services of Lewis Foreman for detailed and characterful booklet notes that set the seal on another outstanding volume from the British Symphonic Collection. I eagerly await the next issue in this series.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

See also review by Rob Barnett

The British Symphonic Collection


Reviewer

Hubert Culot

and

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


Reviews from previous months


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