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The works of the british composer William Alwyn include five symphonies, concertos, operas and more than two hundren film scores. Like his contemporary Samuel Barber, Alwyn was an unashamed Romantic who preferred his music to appeal to the heart rather than to the head.
Alwyn's two Piano Concertos are quite different in scope and idiom. The relatively short, neo-classical Piano Concerto No. 1 is one of his most adventurous early works, while Piano Concerto No. 2 has such an epic sweep and broad romantic appeal that it might be considered as Alwyn's homage to Rachmaninov.
• Peter Donohoe, Piano
• Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
• James Judd
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Review by: diogenes
Dated: 17th of September, 2005
Thirty years separates the compositions on this CD, and showcases William Alwyn-s work to it-s finest.
Alwyn had a long and distinguished career as a musician and composer, and had a prodigious output when compared with many composers, and at one stage, he seemed to be writing numerous film scores each year as well as more classical pieces. He was made a professor of composition for the Royal College of Music at an early age, such was his skill of composition.
This talent shines through in each piece of the compilation of this CD, capably played by the Bournemouth Symphony orchestra, conducted by James Judd. Peter Donohoe plays the piano with virtuosity, ably adding to Naxos's recording, which does full justice to Alwyn's masterly scoring. The performances are assured and confidant, and does credit to Alwyn, and Naxos for releasing this CD
I was not familiar with Alwyn before hearing this CD, and will now be keeping an eye out for his work. This has opened my eyes to other composers, especially 20th century composers, whom I have tended to avoid in the past. A great buy and a great addition to anyone-s collection.
There is a bonus CD along with Alwyn, a compilation of British Classics, the stuff to stir the soul of every red-blooded English person, Elgar to Vaughan-Williams, William Walton-s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue to Holst-s The Planets (Yes, Gustav Holst was English!) This CD is very reminiscent of 'Last Night of the Proms-, a veritable flag-waving treat.
The compilation contains some of the works of some of the best known symphonies in the world, including New Zealand-s NZSO. The playing and recordings are superb and showcases English composers to the fullest. On it-s own, this CD would be an excellent buy, as a bonus CD, it ties in beautifully with Alwyn.
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